Enuresis

Abstract

Enuresis is a very prevalent condition within children. Five to ten percent of 7-year- olds are affected, and in 7 % of them symptoms continue until adulthood. Enuresis is defi ned as nocturnal wetting (continuous or intermittent) after completion of the 5th year of age, differentiated into primary and secondary enuresis. The latter describes new-onset nocturnal incontinence in a child with a previous dry period of at least 6 months. Simple nocturnal incontinence is described as monosymptomatic enuresis. If the child shows additional urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), e.g., daytime incontinence, urgency, holding maneuvers, incomplete bladder emptying, increased voiding frequency, etc., one speaks of non-monosymptomatic enuresis. Reasons for enuresis can be increased nighttime urine output, arousal problems, low bladder capacity, or elevated detrusor activity. Furthermore, enuresis can be based on genetical disorders but also might be due to psychological issues.