What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Bedwetting (Enuresis) - Management

Audience: pediatric

Bedwetting, also called enuresis, is common in children and often improves with time and simple care. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually discuss ways to manage bedwetting at home. This may include lifestyle changes, such as limiting fluids before bedtime and encouraging regular bathroom use during the day. Sometimes, behavioral tools like bedwetting alarms or scheduled waking are suggested. Your provider may also talk about when medicines might help and explain how to use them safely if needed. Follow-up visits, either by telemedicine or in person, may be planned to check progress and adjust care. It is important to watch for warning signs, like pain, fever, or daytime problems, which need prompt medical attention. Telemedicine can support education, monitoring, and guidance but may not replace hands-on exams or tests. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns or if your child's bedwetting changes or worsens.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Pain or burning during urination — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Blood in the urine — seek medical evaluation immediately.
• Sudden worsening of bedwetting after a period of dryness — arrange urgent medical review.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about bedwetting and its management.
• Reviewing symptom history and progress with treatment.
• Guiding families on behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes.
• Determining the need for further evaluation or specialist referral.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or urine tests.
• Diagnosing underlying medical conditions requiring in-person assessment.
• Managing emergencies or acute complications.
• Prescribing medications without prior in-person evaluation if required by local regulations.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely review the information shared and suggest ways to manage bedwetting at home. This often includes tips on fluid intake, bathroom habits, and possibly behavioral techniques. You may receive advice on using bedwetting alarms or scheduled waking to help your child develop bladder control. If medicines are recommended, your provider will explain how to use them safely. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to track your child's progress and make changes if needed.

Common Home Management Strategies

Managing bedwetting usually starts with simple steps at home:

These strategies often help children improve over time.

When to Seek Further Medical Care

If bedwetting continues despite home care, or if new symptoms appear, your provider may recommend further evaluation. This might include tests to check for infections, bladder problems, or other conditions. In some cases, medicines or referral to a specialist may be needed. It's important to keep your healthcare provider informed about any changes or concerns.

Red Flags to Watch For

Seek prompt medical attention if your child experiences:

These signs may indicate a more serious problem that needs urgent care.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Follow-Up

Before your next telemedicine visit, gather information to help your provider:

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Bedwetting

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

Always follow your provider's advice about when to seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Keep a diary of bedwetting episodes for 1–2 weeks before the visit.
• Note any daytime urinary symptoms or changes in behavior.
• List all medicines or treatments currently used for bedwetting.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the telemedicine session.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home management strategies recommended by your provider.
• Use any prescribed treatments or tools as directed.
• Monitor your child’s progress and note any changes.
• Schedule and attend follow-up visits as advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if red flags or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes bedwetting in children?

Bedwetting is often due to a combination of factors such as a deep sleep pattern, a small bladder capacity, delayed development of bladder control, or genetic factors. It is usually not caused by anything serious and often improves with age.

Can bedwetting be cured?

Many children outgrow bedwetting naturally. Treatments like behavioral changes, alarms, and sometimes medicines can help manage it. The goal is to support your child until bladder control improves.

Is medication always needed for bedwetting?

Medication is not always necessary. Many children benefit from lifestyle changes and behavioral techniques first. Medicines may be considered if other methods are not effective and under medical guidance.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your child has pain, blood in the urine, daytime urinary problems, fever, or if bedwetting suddenly worsens after being dry, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

How can I support my child emotionally?

Be patient and positive. Avoid punishment or blame. Praise your child for efforts and dry nights. Bedwetting is common and not their fault.

Sources

1. Bedwetting (Enuresis) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nocturnal Enuresis in Children: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Enuresis (Bedwetting) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Bedwetting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your child's needs. If your child has emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.