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Enuresis

Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2024
Last updated: 19 May 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • increased fluid intake at night
  • urinary frequency
  • constipation
  • caffeine and other bladder irritants
  • urinary urgency
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • abnormal voiding habits
  • abnormal breathing pattern at night
Full details

Risk factors

  • genetic predisposition
  • constipation
  • upper airway obstruction/sleep-disordered breathing
  • ADHD
  • psychological disorders
  • male sex
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • urinalysis
Full details

Tests to consider

  • urinary tract ultrasound
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

age <7 years

age ≥7 years

ONGOING

recurrence

Contributors

Authors

Erin C. Grantham, MD

Pediatric Urologist

Department of Urology

Billings Clinic

Billings

MT

Disclosures

ECG declares that she has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Erin C. Grantham would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Duncan T. Wilcox and Dr Nicholas G. Cost, the previous contributors to this topic. Dr Erin C. Grantham would also like to acknowledge Jillian Hatfield for her contribution to this topic.

Disclosures

DTW and NGC declare that they have no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Prasad Godbole, FRCS, FRCS (Paed), FEAPU

Consultant Paediatric Urologist

Paediatric Surgical Unit

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Western Bank

Sheffield

UK

Disclosures

PG declares that he has no competing interests.

Elizabeth Jackson, MD

Associate Professor

Pediatric Nephrology

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati

OH

Disclosures

EJ declares that she has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Congenital abnormality of the urinary tract (e.g., ectopic ureter, ureterocele, and urethral valves)
    • Constipation
    • Diabetes
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Guidelines on paediatric urology
    • Diagnosis and management of nocturia
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Bedwetting

    More Patient information
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