Bedwetting Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The child wakes up and finds the bed wet from urine.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Expect to answer questions about:

• Family history of bed-wetting
• Daytime urinary patterns
• Problems urinating, such as pain or weak stream
• Usual intake of fluids
• Type of fluids consumed
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Strained family dynamics around the issue of bed-wetting
• Child's emotional response to the behavior
• Recent psychological trauma

Tests may include:

• Urine sample—obtained after an overnight fast to determine how concentrated the urine is, and to check for infection and other problems with the urinary tract
• X-rays or ultrasound study—if, in rare cases, a physical cause is suspected

The doctor may refer you to one or more specialists, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor if there is evidence of obstructive breathing at night or a psychiatrist if there are significant emotional problems.