Nocturnal enuresis

Abstract

Background: Primary nocturnal enuresis is common, and if left untreated has considerable psychological ramifications on children as they get older.

Objective: To explain the main treatments for nocturnal enuresis.

Discussion: By far the most successful treatment is the bed wetting alarm. In recent years desmopressin nasal spray has also found a clinical niche as a short term solution for children attending school camps or sleeping over at friends' houses. It may also be used as an adjunct to the use of the alarm. Treatment with imipramine is increasingly in disfavour because the relapse rate is unacceptably high and fatal overdose is a possibility.