Abstract

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is common among school-aged children, with around one in six 5-year-olds, and at least one in fifty 7-year-old boys and one in a hundred 7-year-old girls, wetting the bed more than once a week.1^,2 Moreover, in some children, the problem can persist, with around 0.8% of girls and 1.6% of boys aged 15-16 years wetting at least once every 3 months.3 The condition can affect the child's self-esteem, and may lead to teasing or bullying, reduced social interactions and behavioural problems.4^,5 The frequent changing and washing of bedding and night-clothes can place an additional workload and financial burden on the family.1^,6 Parents may become intolerant of the situation, and this may even lead to physical punishment of the child.4^,6^,7 Here we review the primary-care management of children with bedwetting.