Nocturnal enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis
Other names	Nighttime urinary incontinence, sleepwetting, bedwetting
Urine mark on bedding caused by a nocturnal enuresis episode.
Specialty	Pediatrics, Psychology, Urology

Nocturnal enuresis (NE), also informally called bedwetting, is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control usually begins.^[1] Bedwetting in children and adults can result in emotional stress.^[2] Complications can include urinary tract infections.^[2][3][4][5]

Most bedwetting is a developmental delay—not an emotional problem or physical illness. Only a small percentage (5 to 10%) of bedwetting cases have a specific medical cause.^[6] Bedwetting is commonly associated with a family history of the condition.^[7] Nocturnal enuresis is considered primary when a child has not yet had a prolonged period of being dry. Secondary nocturnal enuresis is when a child or adult begins wetting again after having stayed dry.

Treatments range from behavioral therapy, such as bedwetting alarms, to medication,^[8][9] such as hormone replacement, and even surgery such as urethral dilatation. Since most bedwetting is simply a developmental delay, most treatment plans aim to protect or improve self-esteem.^[6] Treatment guidelines recommend that the physician counsel the parents,^[10] warning about psychological consequences caused by pressure, shaming, or punishment for a condition children cannot control.^[6]

Bedwetting is the most common childhood complaint.^[11][12][13]