Medical Officer at the Bank Hospital, Dr. Wisdom Effiong, has shed light on the causes and classifications of bedwetting in children, emphasising that the condition, known medically as enuresis, can affect not only children but also adolescents and adults.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily Show with host Chris Kata on Wednesday, November 13, Dr. Effiong explained that bedwetting is the involuntary passing of urine during sleep, and becomes a concern when it persists beyond the ages of five or six.
“You are basically wetting the bed involuntarily, especially when you’re above five or six years. It can affect anybody — children, adolescents, or even adults,” he said.
The host, Chris Kata, shared a personal anecdote about how her mother told her she stopped bedwetting at the age of two, adding that she noticed a similar pattern in her own son. Reacting to this, Dr. Effiong clarified that while some children naturally stop early, continued bedwetting after age five often requires medical attention.
Two Types of Bedwetting
Dr. Effiong explained that doctors often classify bedwetting into two categories to help identify the root causes — primary and secondary enuresis.
“For primary enuresis, the child has always been wetting the bed since birth and has never had a period of dryness, especially at night,” he noted.
“With secondary enuresis, the child had previously achieved bladder control for at least six months but suddenly begins to wet the bed again.”
He emphasised that these classifications help medical professionals determine the right course of action when a child is brought to the hospital.
“That’s why we take a good history — to find out whether it’s primary or secondary. We then do what we call a fishbone analysis to trace the problem to its root cause and tackle it from there,” he added.
Underlying Causes
Dr. Effiong also hinted that several factors could be responsible for prolonged bedwetting. These include delayed bladder development, genetic factors, deep sleep patterns, or psychological and medical triggers such as stress, infections, or other underlying conditions.
Encouraging Early Intervention
Dr. Effiong urged parents not to shame or punish children who wet the bed but rather to seek medical advice if the condition persists beyond early childhood.
“The key is understanding and addressing the root cause. Once we identify what’s behind it, treatment becomes more effective,” he said.
The conversation, which began with light-hearted remarks from the host, turned into an insightful discussion that helped demystify a topic many parents often find uncomfortable.
