Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Sudden Bed Wetting And Wet Feeling Despite Urination?
Question: Hi doctor,
My six year old daughter recently began wetting her bed at night and sometimes gets wet during the day too. She also complains that no matter how much she wipes herself after urinating, she still feels wet. These problems started several months ago. Her pediatrician did a urine test which came back negative. Last night, the entire house suddenly began to smell like a sewer. We traced the smell to her bed which she wetted. Today, I also noticed that her urine smells like a sewer when she goes to the bathroom. Any idea what this could be? Thank you!
My six year old daughter recently began wetting her bed at night and sometimes gets wet during the day too. She also complains that no matter how much she wipes herself after urinating, she still feels wet. These problems started several months ago. Her pediatrician did a urine test which came back negative. Last night, the entire house suddenly began to smell like a sewer. We traced the smell to her bed which she wetted. Today, I also noticed that her urine smells like a sewer when she goes to the bathroom. Any idea what this could be? Thank you!
Brief Answer:
A thorough evaluation is needed to find out the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking to health care magic
Bed wetting in a previous dry child is suggestive of some organic cause.
By going through the history I have following observations and queries
1)The most common cause is urinary tract infection but considering the previous normal report and such a long history the possibility of UTI as a primary cause is unlikely.Still I would like to get it ruled out by repeating the urinary test.
2)Her complaints of feeling wet all along suggests that there is continuous dribbling of urine .Although this can occur in UTI also but it is more suggestive of some urethral obstruction or bladder dysfunction causing retention and dribbling.
3)The long standing obstruction or retention of urine can precipitate the urinary tract infection.So even if the UTI is not a primary cause it must be ruled out in the presence of foul smelling urine.
I would like to know
If she has symptoms like high urge to drink water(polydipsia to rule out diabetes)?
Whether she feels to pass urine or urine comes out without any sensation(to rule out neurogenic bladder)?
Does she feel extra effort for urination?(suggestive of obstruction)?
Is there any history of trauma to the back(again suggests neurogenic bladder)?
Is there any history of constipation or loose stool?
In the present condition I would like to get her evaluated by a pediatrician/nephrologist and get a urine test done to rule out infection along with USG kidney ureter bladder(KUB) to see any changes.
If the urine test or USG is suggestive of any disease then micturating cystourethrography(MCU) may be needed for further evaluation.
If you have any more query I shall be glad to solve it out.
Regards
A thorough evaluation is needed to find out the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for asking to health care magic
Bed wetting in a previous dry child is suggestive of some organic cause.
By going through the history I have following observations and queries
1)The most common cause is urinary tract infection but considering the previous normal report and such a long history the possibility of UTI as a primary cause is unlikely.Still I would like to get it ruled out by repeating the urinary test.
2)Her complaints of feeling wet all along suggests that there is continuous dribbling of urine .Although this can occur in UTI also but it is more suggestive of some urethral obstruction or bladder dysfunction causing retention and dribbling.
3)The long standing obstruction or retention of urine can precipitate the urinary tract infection.So even if the UTI is not a primary cause it must be ruled out in the presence of foul smelling urine.
I would like to know
If she has symptoms like high urge to drink water(polydipsia to rule out diabetes)?
Whether she feels to pass urine or urine comes out without any sensation(to rule out neurogenic bladder)?
Does she feel extra effort for urination?(suggestive of obstruction)?
Is there any history of trauma to the back(again suggests neurogenic bladder)?
Is there any history of constipation or loose stool?
In the present condition I would like to get her evaluated by a pediatrician/nephrologist and get a urine test done to rule out infection along with USG kidney ureter bladder(KUB) to see any changes.
If the urine test or USG is suggestive of any disease then micturating cystourethrography(MCU) may be needed for further evaluation.
If you have any more query I shall be glad to solve it out.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
