Abstract

Childhood nocturnal enuresis may be defined as involuntary nocturnal micturition in children over the age of 5. It is common and many treatments have been tried. Factors which might influence the choice of treatment, such as sleeping and housing arrangements, parental attitudes towards both the enuretic child and the different types of treatment available must first be assessed and the Health Visitor can be very helpful here. A most important initial step is for the doctor to establish a warm, caring relationship with the child and his parents. It should be explained that the bed-wetting results from delayed maturation of bladder control and that the child will eventually grow out of it. Lessening the tensions in the family is often the most therapeutic measure available; parental pressure only makes matters worse.