Nocturnal Enuresis diagnosis

Nocturnal enuresis diagnosis is generally done using urine test or with radiologic studies. The doctor will ask many questions about the child's symptoms and about many other factors that can contribute to nocturnal enuresis.

If a child continues to wet the bed after the age of six, parents may feel the need to seek evaluation and diagnosis by the family doctor or a children's specialist (pediatrician).

Typically, before the doctor can make a nocturnal enuresis diagnosis, a thorough medical history is obtained. Then the child receives a physical examination, appropriate laboratory tests, including a urine test (urinalysis), and, if necessary, radiologic studies (such as x rays).

If the child is healthy and no physical problem is found, which is the case 90% of the time, the doctor may not recommend treatment of nocturnal enuresis but rather may provide the parents and the child with reassurance, information, and advice.

Nocturnal enuresis - Voiding cystourethrogram

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a specific x-ray that examines the urinary tract. A catheter (hollow tube) is placed in the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and the bladder is filled with a liquid dye.

X-ray images will be taken as the bladder fills and empties. The images will show if there is any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and kidneys. Renal bladder ultrasound is a non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidney and bladder producing sound waves, which bounce off these organs, transmitting pictures of them on a video screen.

The test is used to determine the size and shape of the kidney and bladder, and to detect a mass, stone, cyst, or other obstruction or abnormalities. The urodynamics study is a test used to assess how the bladder and urethral sphincter function in accordance with the brain and spinal cord during the stages of bladder filling and emptying.

Adult bedwetting diagnosis:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Urine tests
• Urologic examinations and tests
• Neurological evaluation

Treatment is directed at the underlying causes of nocturnal enuresis, when possible.