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Warning-sign checks

Bedwetting in children: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if your child is difficult to wake, confused, breathing deeply or rapidly, repeatedly vomiting, or severely dehydrated.

    This combination can occur with a serious complication of diabetes or another acute illness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if new bedwetting occurs with extreme thirst, frequent daytime urination, weight loss, unusual tiredness, or blurred vision.

    These can be symptoms of diabetes and need prompt testing.

    Your child also needs same-day care for painful urination with fever, vomiting, back or side pain, blood in the urine, or appearing noticeably unwell.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if bedwetting continues after age 5 and concerns your child or family.

    It is also worth discussing if it returns after at least six dry months, or if there are daytime leaks, constipation, an unusual urine stream, persistent snoring, or repeated urinary infections.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bedwetting in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.