ABSTRACT
A positive family history is the strongest predictor of enuresis: 75% of children who wet will have a first-degree relative who had enuretic problems as a child. In view of the frequent occurrence of enuresis, some clinicians may be reluctant to offer treatment to children under a certain age. Enuresis is also divided into primary enuresis, which is present from birth, and secondary enuresis, which occurs after a significant period of dryness. Children with known physical disabilities may be unable to achieve continence although they will still benefit from assessment, management advice and support. If the child is deliberately wetting in various places in the house, this suggests emotional disturbance, which may need further psychological assessment. Children with daytime wetting are more likely to need paediatric assessment than those with nocturnal enuresis alone: so there should be a low threshold for paediatric referral.
