Definition:

Enuresis is referred to a pattern of involuntary discharge of urine by a child age 5 or older, at least twice a week for three months. The term nocturnal enuresis, the most common form of enuresis, refers to bed-wetting at night during sleep and the term diurnal enuresis refers to daytime wetting. Some children experience either type or a combination of both.  This behavior may or may not be purposeful.

• This condition, though for the most part not physically harmful, can cause psychological stress for the child and parents. This may damage a child’s self-esteem and interfere with social experiences such as sleepovers or attending summer camp.
• This condition is more common in boys than girls and seems to run in families. It is estimated that 5-10% of children have enuresis at 5 years of age. This rate decreases to 3-5% in children by age 10 and to 1% by age 15 and into adulthood.
• The main cause of enuresis in most children is the delay in the maturation of the part of the nervous system that controls bladder function and seems to have a genetic component. Other causes can include medical causes such as a urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, or neurological issues such as developmental delays as well as psychological issues such as severe stress and trauma.

Treatment:

Lifestyle/diet

• Reduce caffeine, chocolate, and other stimulants. Do not drink fluids 2 hours before bedtime.
• Diagnose and eliminate food allergies.
• Consider bladder stretching exercises.

Mind-body

• Reassure the child, do not punish the child for the enuresis incidents
• Use a reward system and tracking on a calendar
• Imagery techniques and hypnotherapy can be effective
• Alarm systems that ring when the bed is wet may help some children
• Psychotherapy if enuresis is stress or trauma-related

Medication may help in the treatment and management of enuresis.

Other treatment

• Acupuncture may be of benefit to some patients