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Published on: October 2, 2019
Insights
Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, affects many children and can impact self-esteem and family life. This review covers primary care management strategies for childhood bedwetting.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Urology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is prevalent in school-aged children, affecting approximately 1 in 6 five-year-olds and persisting into adolescence for some.
- This condition can negatively impact a child's self-esteem, social interactions, and behavior, and create family stress.
- The persistent nature and psychosocial effects of bedwetting necessitate effective primary care management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary care management of children experiencing bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis).
- To provide an overview of the prevalence, impact, and management strategies for childhood bedwetting.
- To guide healthcare professionals in addressing bedwetting in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary care management strategies for nocturnal enuresis.
- Synthesis of data on prevalence, psychosocial impact, and treatment options.
- Focus on evidence-based approaches for managing bedwetting in children.
Main Results:
- Bedwetting is common, with varying prevalence rates across age groups and genders.
- The condition has significant psychosocial implications for children and can burden families.
- Effective primary care interventions are crucial for managing nocturnal enuresis.
Conclusions:
- Primary care physicians play a vital role in diagnosing and managing bedwetting.
- A comprehensive approach addressing the child's emotional well-being and family's needs is essential.
- Timely and appropriate management of nocturnal enuresis can mitigate its negative consequences.
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. 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. The condition can affect the child's self-esteem, and may lead to teasing or bullying, reduced social interactions and behavioural problems. The frequent changing and washing of bedding and night-clothes can place an additional workload and financial burden on the family. Parents may become intolerant of the situation, and this may even lead to physical punishment of the child. Here we review the primary-care management of children with bedwetting.
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