It is not unusual for children to suffer from bladder problems. According to a study, urinary dysfunction is estimated to occur in up to 10% of children. For parents, the signs may not be always clear and it can be difficult to diagnose. Early recognition and appropriate management of bladder problems in children can prevent the development of long-term complications. In this article, we will take a look at 12 conditions that may be indicating your child is suffering from a bladder problem.
Conditions indicating your child is dealing with bladder problems:
1. Difficulty in controlling bladder function:
In some children, the ability to control the bladder deteriorates and this results in increased frequency of urination and limited urinary control. Children who are unable to make it to the toilet on time, have to change their clothes due to wetting their pants often, or have difficulty stopping urine flow once it has started, may be facing difficulty in controlling bladder functions.
2. Painful urination:
Pain during urination may be a sign of infection in the bladder. This can be due to bacterial infection, dehydration, or urinary stones. Your child may complain about burning sensation or pain during urination which is a clear indication that medical help should be sought.
3. Frequent urination throughout the day and night:
If your child is visiting the bathroom too often, it can be a symptom of bladder dysfunction. They may feel a constant urge to urinate without being able to control it. This can be due to infections, or other medical conditions such diabetes and kidney issues.
Read More: What Does A Pediatric Urologist Do?
4. Weak bladder muscles:
Weaker bladder muscles can lead to an inability to hold urine for longer periods of time or difficulty starting a urine flow. This can be due to congenital issues, or problems can be due to an overactive bladder or infection.
5. Bedwetting:
Bedwetting may not just be a sign of the child’s unwillingness to use the bathroom during nighttime. For some children it can be due to medical conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, or a weak bladder.
6. Leaking urine:
Children who often experience urine leakage may do so either due to inability to control their bladder for a few seconds, or due to blockage in the urinary tract.
7. Difficulty in starting urine flow:
In some children the urinary muscles are so weak that the urine does not flow out quickly. This leads to difficulty and straining in order to start the urination.
8. Growing pains when urinating:
Children who experience pain in their lower abdomen or hips during or after urination may be in trouble. This can be due to bladder spasms or obstruction in the urinary tract.
9. Blood in urine:
Blood in urine is typically a sign of a urinary tract infection or stones in the bladder. This should prompt immediate medical advice and testing.
10. Fever:
Children with a bladder problem can sometimes experience a fever along with pain during urination.
11. Dark or cloudy urine:
This kind of urine is usually a sign of infection in the bladder or obstruction in the urinary tract.
12. Extreme discomfort during urination:
When the bladder does not empty completely and the urine remains in the bladder for an extended period of time, the child may experience burning and pain during urination.
Read More: Overactive Bladder: Diagnosis And Treatment
Note:
If your child is displaying any of the above symptoms, medical help should be sought. It is best to get your child examined from an expert, who will be able to make a diagnosis and provide the right treatment. In most cases, such bladder problems can be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications.
Reach Dr. Lokesh Sharma for treatment!
Dr. Lokesh Sharma is the best pediatric urologist in Jaipur. He has been providing quality treatment to his patients for years. His expertise in diagnosis and treatment of urinary disorders such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, kidney stones, and bladder issues is unmatched.
Dr. Lokesh Sharma is a highly experienced and specialized urologist and has established his name as one of the best urologists in Jaipur. He has many years of experience in the field and has treated thousands of patients successfully. He has won numerous awards for his work and gained recognition in the medical community.
His diagnostic and treatment strategies are cutting-edge and he follows the latest medical technology to provide the best treatment. He is aware about the use of ultrasound, computed tomography, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging to the treatment of kidney stones and other urological problems. He has expertise in robotic-assisted surgeries and minimally invasive procedures for various urinary tract disorders.
FAQ:
Q.1 How do I know if my daughter has a bladder infection?
If your daughter is complaining of painful or burning sensations during urination, lower abdominal pain or has a fever or nausea, chances are she may have a bladder infection. Other signs of a bladder infection include having to urinate frequently, foul-smelling urine, or cloudy urine. If you are concerned that your daughter may have a bladder infection, it is important to consult a doctor to get tested.
Q.2 At what age should a child have bladder control?
Generally speaking, a child should have some level of bladder control by the age of 4. Full bladder control may not be achieved until 6 to 7 years of age.
Q.3 What condition cause a lack of bladder control in a child?
The most common cause of a lack of bladder control in a child is urinary incontinence, which is typically due to an underdeveloped or weakened bladder muscle. Other possible causes are diabetes, nerve conditions, urinary tract infections, anatomical abnormalities, and conditions like spina bifida.
Q.4 What causes a weak bladder in children?
A weak bladder in children can often be due to an underlying health condition, such as a urinary tract infection, structural issues in the urinary tract, or anatomical variances in the bladder. It can also be due to small bladder capacity, bladder muscle weakness, or nerve damage. Other causes may include constipation, urinary tract stones, and too much caffeine or sugar intake.
Q.5 How do you fix a weak bladder in a child?
The best way to fix a weak bladder in a child is to consult with a healthcare provider about bladder training and physical therapy. Bladder training is a set of exercises and exercises which can be used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and urinary control. Physical therapy is used to improve posture, muscle coordination, and bladder tone. Depending on the cause of the weak bladder, medications may also be prescribed to help relax the bladder muscles.
