Irritable Bladder In Children

Irritable bladder in children is a common occurrence in most kids over the age of four years old. Nighttime bed wetting is more common in boys than girls; however some girls at the same age do experience it. The bladder is a balloon looking muscle that stretches as the urine builds up. The bladder increases its capacity to hold urine one ounce every year for the first eight years of a child’s life. It is also called chronic urethral syndrome, and many doctors believe that it is sometimes caused by foods or liquids that are often being given to a child constantly.

Most children out grow bed-wetting, but approximately 10 percent of them do not gain night time control until a few years later. When this happens, parents need to be more patient with their children and give the child’s bladder a little more time to mature. There are several things involved with an irritable bladder in children. Some medical troubles, such as a urinary infection or diabetes, could be causing it; however this is not very likely, as a few children just simply sleep too soundly to wake up and go to the bathroom during the night. Some times if one of the parents was a bed-wetter there is a good chance that the child will be also. And if both the parents were bed wetters there is an 80% chance that the child will have an irritable bladder. 

Often irritable bladder in children can be caused from fatigue, or depression, which may cause the parents some amounts of depression as well. It also allows a low self-esteem in the parents, such as the feeling of failure. It can be quite tiresome changing the bed linen everyday.   

How do you spot the symptoms in children?

After a child has not quit wetting the bed after they have been potty trained, or if they complain about a pain around the groin area or the smell of urine has a fowl smell, the parent should take the child to have a check up as soon as possible. Parents should take time to notice if the child urinates more than eight times in a 24 hour period, and how many times they have to go to the bathroom or wets the bed at night, if it is more than twice, there is a problem that needs some attention. Another sign is if a child stops bed-wetting for a while and is doing well, then all of a sudden it starts up again, that would be a sign to take the child to the family doctor as this could be a simple urinary infection. Very seldom a child will be born with a damaged nerve, which may be associated with birth defects, which will cause an irritable bladder.

How do you cure an irritable bladder in children?

Drugs such as Detrol, Oxytrol, Sanctura, and Ditropan can alleviate most of the symptoms and are very effective, however they could have side effects such as having a dry mouth, which will cause the child to drink more liquids, and this might make the problem worse than making it better. The doctor may suggest in making changes in the child’s diet, or sucking on a piece of sugar free candy, he may even recommend not letting the child have any liquids approximately an hour or so before bedtime.

Irritable bladder in children is a normal occurrence, but it could become something serious if not properly taken care of.

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