[Enuresis nocturna--practical advice for examination and treatment]

Children suffering from nocturnal enuresis have better self-esteem when they stay dry. A medical examination is necessary in order to exclude specific causes. The choice of treatment should be based on: motivation and age of the child, nocturnal polyuria versus bladder capacity, possibilities to borrow an alarm device, and follow-up. Informed choice treatment should be offered. Treatment with an alarm device and minimum standards are discussed. Desmopressin for short-term treatment or for three month periods are recommended for patient who respond to desmopressin. If organic causes are suspected, the child has diurnal incontinence symptoms, or does not stay dry in spite of the recommended treatment, referral to a paediatrician or a paediatric department is recommended. A better program for managing these patients at paediatric departments should be developed in collaboration with other specialists.