Question
A 15-year-old female patient has been suffering from nocturnal enuresis for the past three years. She has received treatment at a teaching hospital, where she was given Shuanyuan pills, which were initially effective but the symptoms soon recurred. She has also tried traditional Chinese medicine treatment, but the effects were not lasting. The patient is feeling frustrated with the treatment outcomes for enuresis and hopes to seek a Radical Cure method.
Answer
The first step in treating enuresis is to conduct a urine test to rule out the possibility of inflammation. Most cases of enuresis are not caused by inflammation but are functional issues. Enuresis may be related to abnormal levels of antidiuretic hormone secretion by the pituitary gland, incomplete bladder development, or problems with the urinary center. Treating enuresis requires identifying the underlying cause and adopting symptomatic treatment.
- Pituitary issues: Abnormal secretion of antidiuretic hormone, with normal nighttime secretion being 2.5 times that of daytime levels, while enuresis children have levels at 1.5 times.
- Incomplete or delayed bladder development: Abnormal function of the bladder sphincter and detrusor muscle may lead to frequent urination or daytime enuresis.
- Urinary center issues or delayed development: May involve hidden spinal bifida or slow conduction in the urinary center. Targeted treatments may include medication, behavioral training, and physical therapy, among others, with specific plans tailored according to diagnostic results.