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Bedwetting, or enuresis, is a common childhood disorder, not a disease. Most cases are primary enuresis, resolving spontaneously, so avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Enuresis is a common, benign clinical disorder in young children.
- Primary enuresis, without underlying organic disease or psychopathology, is the most frequent presentation.
Observation:
- Physicians should adhere to the principle of 'Primum non nocere' (first, do no harm).
- Extensive and costly diagnostic workups are often unnecessary for childhood enuresis.
Findings:
- The majority of children with enuresis experience primary enuresis.
- A high spontaneous cure rate is characteristic of childhood enuresis.
Implications:
- Cautious clinical evaluation and management are essential.
- Physicians should maintain optimism regarding spontaneous resolution and patient outcomes.
- Treatment requires a blend of clinical skill, art, and compassionate patient care.
Abstract:
Enuresis is not a disease, but rather a benign clinical disorder that is very common in young children. In considering the many facets of enuresis, physicians caring for children with this disorder should always remember the dictum "Primum non nocere". Most children with enuresis will be found to have primary enuresis, that is, no organic disease or psychopathology will be found. Physicians should proceed cautiously and should avoid costly, harmful and unnecessary workups. Treatment of few disorders is more dependent on the art and skill of clinical medicine than that of childhood enuresis. All of the physician's talents and compassionate nature enter into the proper evaluation of and therapy for this disorder. Physicians must keep in mind the high spontaneous cure rate. This factor alone should encourage them to be extremely optimistic about the outcome of enuresis in their pateints.