Enuresis

Enuresis is a condition where a person, usually a child, involuntarily urinates during sleep or at inappropriate times. It primarily involves the urinary system, specifically the bladder's ability to hold urine until voluntary release. This condition can affect a child's sleep quality, self-esteem, and social interactions due to the unexpected wetting episodes. It is most common in children but can persist into adolescence or adulthood. The main health impact is related to the inconvenience and potential skin irritation from prolonged wetness. It is important to understand that enuresis is not caused by laziness or behavioral problems but often by physiological or developmental factors.

Enuresis is defined as the repeated involuntary voiding of urine into bed or clothes, occurring at least twice a week for a minimum of three consecutive months in a child aged five years or older. The core pathology involves a mismatch between bladder capacity, nocturnal urine production, and the child's ability to awaken in response to bladder fullness. It is classified as either primary (no prior sustained dryness) or secondary (recurrence after at least six months of dryness). The usual mechanisms include delayed maturation of the central nervous system, increased nocturnal urine production due to altered antidiuretic hormone secretion, or bladder dysfunction such as detrusor overactivity. Clinically, it is significant because it can cause psychological distress and may indicate underlying urologic or neurologic disorders.