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Bedwetting

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

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.

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.

• Review Date: 5/1/2007
• Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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