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Bedwetting - Symptom

Alternative Names

Enuresis

Symptoms:

The main symptom is involuntary urination, usually at night, that occurs at least twice per month.

Signs and tests:

Your child's doctor will discuss the history of bedwetting in detail. You can help by keeping a detailed diary that outlines normal urination and wetting episodes, fluid and food intake (including time of meals), and sleep times.

A physical examination should be performed to rule out physical causes. A urinalysis will be done to rule out infection or diabetes.

X-rays of the kidneys and bladders and other studies are not needed unless there is reason to suspect some other problems.

Reviewed last on: 10/9/2008
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/1/2007).

References

Blum NJ. Nocturnal enuresis: behavioral treatments. Urol Clin North Am. 2004; 31(3):499-507.

Fritz G. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with enuresis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2004; 43(12):1540-1550.

Lawless MR, McElderry DH. Nocturnal enuresis: current concepts. Pediatr Rev. 2001;(12):399-407.

Mammen AA. Nocturnal enuresis: medical management. Urol Clin North Am. 2004; 31(3):491-498.

Robson WLM, Leung AKC, Van Howe R. Primary and secondary nocturnal enuresis: similarities in presentation. Pediatrics. 2005; 115(4):956-959.

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