Can Telemedicine Treat Bedwetting (Enuresis) - Management?

Audience: pediatric

Bedwetting, also known as enuresis, is a common condition in children where they accidentally urinate during sleep. It often improves with time, but it can be stressful for children and families. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to discuss bedwetting with a healthcare provider. Through video or phone visits, providers can gather important information, offer advice on managing the condition, and suggest lifestyle changes or treatments. However, some cases may require in-person exams or tests. Telemedicine visits can guide families on when to seek further care and help monitor progress. This approach can save time and reduce stress by providing support from home. Remember, telemedicine is for education and management guidance, not for diagnosing or treating emergencies. If your child has sudden changes, pain, or other worrying symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child experiences pain or burning when urinating — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Blood is visible in the urine — contact healthcare provider immediately.
• Sudden onset of bedwetting after months of dryness, especially with other symptoms like fever or weight loss — arrange prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation and history taking for bedwetting.
• Providing education on lifestyle changes and behavioral management.
• Monitoring progress and follow-up discussions.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation or testing is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the child.
• Urine tests or other diagnostic tests requiring lab access.
• Emergency evaluation for severe symptoms such as pain, blood in urine, or sudden health changes.

What is Bedwetting (Enuresis)?

Bedwetting is when a child urinates during sleep after the age when they are expected to stay dry at night. It is common in children under 7 years old and often improves as they grow. Bedwetting can be *primary* (when the child has never been dry at night) or *secondary* (when bedwetting starts again after a period of dryness). It is usually not caused by serious illness but can affect a child's confidence and family life.

How Can Telemedicine Help with Bedwetting?

Telemedicine allows families to talk with healthcare providers through video or phone calls. Providers can ask about your child's history, habits, and symptoms. They can offer advice on managing bedwetting, such as:

Telemedicine can also help decide if further tests or in-person visits are needed.

When is In-Person Care Needed?

Some situations require a physical exam or tests that cannot be done remotely. You should seek in-person care if your child has:

These symptoms may need further evaluation to rule out infections or other conditions.

Tips for Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine visit:

This preparation helps the provider understand your child's situation better.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Expect

After your visit, you may receive recommendations such as:

Keep track of your child's progress and any new symptoms to share with your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms and questions.
• Keep a diary of bedwetting episodes and bathroom habits.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, private space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have any previous medical records or notes available if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on managing bedwetting at home.
• Use recommended tools like moisture alarms if suggested.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What causes bedwetting in children?

Bedwetting can be caused by a variety of factors, including a deep sleep pattern, small bladder size, delayed development of bladder control, genetics, or stress. It is usually not due to serious illness.

Can bedwetting be cured?

Many children outgrow bedwetting naturally. Treatments like behavioral changes, alarms, or medication may help manage it, but success varies. Patience and support are important.

Is it safe to treat bedwetting through telemedicine?

Telemedicine is safe for discussing bedwetting, getting advice, and managing the condition. However, if your child has concerning symptoms, an in-person visit is necessary.

When should I seek emergency care for bedwetting?

Seek emergency care if your child has pain when urinating, blood in urine, sudden bedwetting after being dry for months, fever, or other serious symptoms.

Can medications be prescribed via telemedicine for bedwetting?

Some providers may discuss medication options during telemedicine visits, but prescribing depends on local regulations and the provider’s assessment. Medication is usually considered after other methods.

Sources

1. Bedwetting (Enuresis) in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nocturnal Enuresis: Clinical Practice Guideline — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Enuresis (Bedwetting) in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for education and management support only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or emergency treatment. If your child has urgent or worsening symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.