Homeopathy treatment for Functional Enuresis

Functional Enuresis is the repeated involuntary voiding of urine, occurring after an age at which continence is usual and in the absence of any identified physical disorder.

The condition may be nocturnal (bed-wetting), diurnal (occurring during waking hours), or both.

Nocturnal enuresis is referred to as primary if there has been no preceding period of urinary continence, and secondary if there has been a preceding period of urinary continence.

There is no absolute period of continence needed to become secondary enuresis, but 6 months is a commonly used time frame.

Most children achieve regular daytime and night-time continence by 3 or 4 years of age, and 5 years is generally taken as the youngest age for the diagnosis.

Nocturnal enuresis can cause great unhappiness and distress, particularly if the parents blame or punish the child, and if the condition restricts staying with friends or going on holiday.

Nocturnal enuresis occurs in about;

10 % of children at 5 years of age,
4 % at 8 years,
1 % at 14 years,
0.5 % in adulthood.

The condition is more frequent in boys.

Daytime enuresis has a lower prevalence and is more frequent in girls.

The majority of cases of nocturnal primary enuresis are idiopathic; there is simply a delay in maturation of the nervous system controlling the bladder.

These children often have a family history of enuresis, as children who have either one or two parents who were enuretic have a 44 and 70 % chance, respectively, of being enuretic themselves.

There are a range of other causes of enuresis, but these are more commonly associated with secondary nocturnal or diurnal enuresis.

Common causes of nocturnal primary enuresis:

Idiopathic developmental delay
Genetics

Less common causes of enuresis (consider in secondary nocturnal or diurnal cases):

Urinary tract infection
Diabetes mellitus
Abnormalities of the urinary tract (e.g. small bladder, vesicoureteric reflux)
Structural abnormalities of the nervous system (e.g. spina bifida occulta)
Chronic constipation
Diuretics: e.g. caffeine, alcohol
ADHD
Learning disorders or syndromes of developmental delay
Behavioural: being too engaged in play or ‘leaving it too late’
Psychological: i.e. a response to bereavement, stress, abuse, or bullying
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Epilepsy

Other Causes:

Fluid intake at night.
The bladder is irritated by the bowels.
Inability to know if the bladder is filled.
Urinary tract infection.
Stress also anxiety.
Hyperactivity in children.
Lack of attention.

Functional enuresis, or bedwetting, can be categorized into two main types:

Primary Enuresis: This type refers to children who have never achieved consistent nighttime dryness. It’s common in younger children and often resolves with age, though it can persist in some cases.
Secondary Enuresis: This occurs when a child who has previously been dry at night starts wetting the bed again after a period of dryness. It may be triggered by stress, trauma, urinary tract infections, or other medical conditions.

Both types can be influenced by genetic, environmental, or physiological factors. Treatment often involves behavioral strategies, bladder training, and sometimes medications. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for a proper diagnosis.

The symptoms of bladder dysfunction include:

1. Urge incontinence:

In detail, The presence of an overwhelming urge to urinate, frequent urination, attempts to hold the urine and urinary tract infections.

2. Voiding postponement:

Delaying urination in certain situations such as school.

3. Stress incontinence:

Generally, Incontinence that occurs in situations when increased intra-abdominal pressure occurs such as coughing.

4. Giggling incontinence:

Basically, Incontinence that occurs when laughing.

Secondary incontinence usually occurs in the context of a new life event that is stressful such as abuse or parental divorce.

For managing functional enuresis (bedwetting), a diet that supports bladder health and prevents irritation is important. Here’s a point-wise guide:

Hydrate Properly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain hydration, but limit fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Include fruits (like apples, pears), vegetables (like broccoli, carrots), and whole grains to prevent constipation, which can worsen enuresis.
Avoid Caffeine: Limit caffeinated drinks (like soda, coffee, tea) as they can irritate the bladder and increase urination.
Reduce Sugary & Acidic Foods: Limit sugary snacks, citrus fruits, and acidic foods that may irritate the bladder.
Magnesium-Rich Foods: Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds may support muscle relaxation and bladder control.

Consult a healthcare provider for tailored dietary recommendations.

For managing functional enuresis (bedwetting), a balanced diet and regimen can help improve bladder control. Here’s a point-wise guide:

Increase Fluid Intake: Drink plenty of water during the day but reduce fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime to prevent nighttime accidents.
Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Limit sodas, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages, as they can irritate the bladder.
Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health.
Bladder Training: Gradually increase the time between bathroom visits to build bladder capacity.
Regular Bathroom Routine: Encourage frequent daytime bathroom trips every 2-3 hours, even if not feeling the urge.
Avoid Constipation: Include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent constipation, which can worsen enuresis.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines for Functional Enuresis:

Calcarea phosphorica: Constitutionally indicated in the asthenic patient.

Pulsatilla: Incontinence of urine, particularly in girls.

Ferrum phosphoricum: Incontinence of urine, also during the day.

Kali phosphoricum: Nervous constitutions. General debility and weakness.

Sepia: Specific affinity to the bladder sphincter (insufficiency of). Nocturnal enuresis during first sleep. Close relationship to sexual sphere.

What is Functional Enuresis ?

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Functional Enuresis ?

Calcarea phos
Pulsatilla
Ferrum phos
Kali phos
Sepia

What causes Functional Enuresis ?

Idiopathic developmental delay
Genetics
Urinary tract infection
Diabetes mellitus
Abnormalities of the urinary tract
Structural abnormalities of the nervous system
Chronic constipation
Diuretics: e.g. caffeine, alcohol
ADHD

What are the symptoms of Functional Enuresis ?

Urge incontinence
Voiding postponement
Stress incontinence
Giggling incontinence

Psychiatry, Fourth Edition – Oxford Medical Publications -SRG-by John Geddes, Jonathan Price, Rebecca McKnight / Ch 32.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enuresis