Nocturnal enuresis, or bed-wetting, is the most common disorder of voiding in children. But this problem is not limited to young children. In a handful of children nocturnal enuresis can be due to an anatomic problem, but in children with nonorganic enuresis, the most common type, the cause is not known.
Most physicians believe that it is due to delayed maturation of bladder function.
In many cases, a family history indicates that at least one of the parents also had nocturnal enuresis as a child. There are several common interventions that parents use to curb bed-wetting. A number of medications, including a nasal spray or oral tablet taken before bedtime, also can be used to stop bed-wetting. One of the most successful treatments involves using an enuresis alarm. A device designed to sense wetness is clipped to the child's underwear.