Children can suffer with bladder and bowel issues. In our time-pressed lives, difficulties in these areas can cause significant stress for both parents and the children alike.
Children can have problems with:
- Daytime wetting
- Bed wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Soiling with bowels (Faecal Incontinence)
- Constipation and with-holding stool.
- Voiding dysfunction
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Early intervention can stop children’s toilet issues from escalating into major problems which affect self-esteem, behaviour and performance at school. After assessment, the child (and the parents) will be taught appropriate management strategies to assist with resolution of the problem.
Pelvic Floor Essentials has a chapter on paediatric problems and some simple advice regarding toilet training. Many bad habits can be passed onto children by carers (parents, grandparents and child care) so understanding the correct information regarding toileting habits for children is important. Children are not little adults.
A copy of my book Pelvic Floor Essentials is given to the parent as a part of the consultation, so the parents are aware of good bladder and bowel habits and can model positive habits to the child. Some tests are important for children to undergo such as a micro-urine, renal ultrasound and in some cases, a blood test to eliminate other medical conditions. A bladder diary will need to be performed as soon as possible after the initial consultation. Bedwetting alarms are available for sale with the consultation.