Q: My son is 10 and still wets the bed. I read a book that this can be caused by constipation and can be treated with Miralax to empty the bowels. What can you tell me about this?
ANS: This is long and complex so I will provide a short answer. Best answer is to make an appointment to be seen to discuss in depth.
- If this is isolated nocturnal enuresis then the oldest treatment around is still the best..the bed wetting alarm. This can be googled for more details. I have seen bed wetting healed in as little as two weeks when using this method.
- If this is due to constipation and stool withholding,then leaking stool around the massive constipation can occur (called encopresis). This is improved with a multipronged approach. First empty the bowels by using a laxative for up to seven days to get relief. Second drink more water- 50-70% of a person’s body weight every day.
- Eating P- fruits (peach pear prune plum papaya pineapple pumpkin peas pomegranate all begin with P and will make you poop.
- There are a couple more ideas that are helpful and we are happy to share them during a visit.
Using a laxative is best discussed in an appointment for appropriate dosing and safety discussion.
Thank you for asking. We love helping improve the health of your family.
Dr Franz