The whole family needs to be motivated to use them. The alarm buzzer is triggered to sound when urine comes into contact with a pad placed under the bed-sheets to which the alarm is connected. They work by training the bladder and teaching the child to get up and go to the toilet. If a child is sharing a room then a silent vibrating alarm can be used instead. They can be purchased from ERIC or can be borrowed from the local enuresis clinic.
Medicines also work well for many people.
Desmopressin is the one most often used and works by preventing the production of urine overnight. It is prescribed by the doctor and taken either as a tablet or a nasal spray. For a list of other articles written exclusively for BBC Health visit our Features' Index page. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.