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Dr Catherine
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Girl
8-15 years

We have 3 children 10 (male) 9 (female) 7 (female). All are bed wetting at night primarily, son is the biggest concern. Randwick/Gastro specialist looking at hard stool issue prescribed Somac/Osmolax. I feel this is long term (i have esophillic oesophagitus). My thoughts after much reading is we need an immediate action, bed wetting alarm? Do you have any recommended models? Kind Regards, Louis Roman 0403207885

There is quite a strong genetic link to bedwetting so it is not unusual to find a number of individuals in the same family experiencing nighttime incontinence. Conditioning alarms are definitely the most successful form of treatment and are designed to wake-up children when they begin to wet. The conditioning approach is based on the theory that by repetitively waking a child at the time of urination the child becomes conditioned into recognising that urination is about to occur. This method requires a great deal of commitment on behalf of the family, as parents need to take initial responsibility in ensuring their child wakes in response to the alarm. Treatment can take up to 6 months, with about a third of children experiencing relapse. If this occurs you need to reintroduce the alarm, with most children being treated in a much shorter period of time. It is important to discuss this with your GP/Pediatrician first as the more guidance you receive the better the outcomes. There are also different forms of alarms. One is a body alarm with a small sensor that can be worn inside his pyjamas. The second type of alarm is a bell and pad alarm that is placed like a mat over the bottom sheet. This is connected to an alarm box placed at the end of the bed. Alarms can be purchased online but can also be hired - and you may find the same type does not suit all three children. A helpful point of contact is the Continence Association of Australia (1800 330 066) who has a free helpline and will be able to provide advice of specific products. Kind Regards,