[5][6] Management of enuresis varies and includes either mitigation via specialized nightwear or bedding, or identification and correction of the underlying cause, behavioral therapy, and the use of medications.

The symptoms of bladder dysfunction include:[9] Secondary incontinence usually occurs in the context of a new life event that is stressful such as abuse or parental divorce.

[9] Signs indicating a child has a daytime wetting condition may include:[10] Signs indicating a child has a nighttime wetting condition, if they are at least 5 years old, may include:[10] It is recommended that children are made aware that bedwetting is not their fault, especially due to preconceived notions of inadequate parenting or psychiatric issues leading to enuresis.

[5] Children with nocturnal enuresis are found to have lower quality of life, but it is not clear which aspects are most affected.

[15] It is characterized by an obstruction of the bladder as a result of a non-neurogenic cause, which is due to the muscles controlling urine flow that do not completely relax.

[13] Mastering urinary control during sleep time is a normal part of childhood development and may be delayed by stress and social pressures.

[13] Anxiety experienced by a child between ages 2 to 4 also increases the risk for enuresis because this particular time period is sensitive for the development of nighttime bladder control.

[13] Nocturnal enuresis has been found to be more common in those with developmental delay, physical or intellectual disabilities, and psychological or behavioral disorders.

[17] Many children with nocturnal enuresis have altered nighttime secretion levels of antidiuretic hormone, which controls water retention in the body.

[17] This results in low antidiuretic hormone levels and excessive amounts of urine produced during sleep time.

[18] Currently, nocturnal enuresis is understood to be caused by three main underlying factors: excess urine production at night, lack of capacity for bladder storage, and inability to wake from sleep, with pathogenesis possibly varying based on presence of daytime symptoms.

[5] Evidence suggests that neurostimulation therapy may be an efficacious and safe form of treatment of pediatric primary enuresis, also known as bedwetting.

[21] Desmopressin is approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children 6 years and older with primary nocturnal enuresis and is available in both spray and tablet formulations.

[32][33] There is good short-term success rate; however, there is difficulty in keeping the bed dry after medication is stopped.

"[39] Furthermore, in the eighteenth century, children with enuresis were subjected to a variety of chemical and mechanical treatments including fluid restriction, enemata, the use of an alarm clock, cold baths, warm baths, cold dashes to the perineum and douches to the lower spine.