What does secondary nocturnal enuresis refer to?

Secondary nocturnal enuresis refers specifically to the re-emergence of bedwetting in a child who has previously achieved a period of dryness lasting at least six months. This type of enuresis indicates a change in the child's urination patterns after a period of being dry, which can be due to various factors such as stress, medical issues, or other life changes.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it helps differentiate secondary enuresis from primary nocturnal enuresis, where the child has never been consistently dry at night. The context of having been previously dry is essential for the diagnosis of secondary nocturnal enuresis, highlighting its distinct nature compared to other forms of enuresis.

The other options do not align with this definition; for instance, complete dryness for over a year suggests no enuresis issue, while nighttime wetting after the age of 12 may indicate a different concern rather than being classified specifically as secondary enuresis. Continuous bedwetting from infancy also refers to primary nocturnal enuresis, thereby further emphasizing the importance of the prior period of dryness in understanding secondary enuresis.