Hi – your daughter is experiencing a condition known as secondary nocturnal enuresis (SNE) – this is the term used to describe a situation where children who have been previously dry for six or more months then begin wetting the bed again. When it comes to SNE the first thing you need to think about is what has caused this change – up until now your daughter had good nighttime bladder control, so something must be different. There are a number of possible medical causes – this can be as simple as a urinary tract infection or something more challenging like juvenile diabetes – so it is very important that you make an appointment for her to see your GP for a full medical assessment. A return to bedwetting may also result from emotional stress, which may be due to things like bullying, starting school, or difficulties with friends. If you think stress may be the cause then it is important to talk with her and help her to mange the situation – keeping in mind that young children often experience difficulties verbalizing their feelings. You can also make a time to meet with her teacher who may have a better idea if anything upsetting is occurring at school. We generally find the bedwetting stops when whatever is causing her stress is dealt with or disappears.

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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