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Warning-sign checks

Nocturnal enuresis: 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

    Seek emergency help if these occur with vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or difficult breathing, confusion, or severe drowsiness.

    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 prompt medical advice for:

    • Pain or burning when urinating, fever, or cloudy or bloody urine
    • Daytime wetting, a weak stream, straining, or trouble emptying the bladder
    • Ongoing constipation or stool accidents
    • Loud snoring, breathing pauses, or marked daytime sleepiness
    • New bedwetting in a teenager or adult
    • Bedwetting associated with weakness, numbness, or changes in walking

    Unusual thirst, weight loss, tiredness, and frequent large amounts of urine can be signs of diabetes and need urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if bedwetting is causing distress, continues beyond the age when the child and family want help, or has not improved with basic measures.

    Assessment is also appropriate if wetting returns after at least six dry months.

The article also says

Bedwetting by itself is not an emergency.

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