Laughing Incontinence in Children

Simply defined, incontinence is the inability to control urine from passing through the urethra. Children, women and men experience incontinence. Small children from babies to toddlers who still use diapers are not considered to have incontinence. They are not yet trained to use bathroom facilities. Urinary incontinence varies greatly from slight urinary leakage to a complete lack of control of urination, or voiding. There are several different types of urinary incontinence in children, including daytime and nighttime incontinence. Incontinence can also occur when laughing, sneezing or coughing.

Cause

• Certain birth defects such as a spina bifida can cause incontinence. Sometimes the bladder or urethra did not develop properly, which can cause practically a constant loss of urine. Constipation, urinary tract infections, diet or even emotional stress can cause incontinence. Females can sometimes experience incontinence when they laugh, which is caused by bladder spasms. Teens who are sexually active and have contracted a sexually transmitted disease can develop this condition. The bladder can become irritated with the consumption of caffeine or acidic beverages like tomato juice.

Diagnosis

• The family physician should take a complete history of the child and give her a thorough physical exam. Blood tests should also be conducted. A urinalysis and sometimes a culture are taken to identify a current infection. A voiding cystourethrogram, which is a special x-ray used to look at the bladder, may be necessary. When using this type of x-ray, a dye is injected directly into the bladder to indentify the path of urine in the tract. Any deformities or abnormalities can be seen with this x-ray.

Treatment

• The treatment for incontinence in children is simple. Sometimes behavioral or dietary changes are necessary. Depending on the severity of the condition, medication may be needed. Infections are normally treated with antibiotics. Relieving constipation and urinating more often can help to eliminate incontinence.

Tips

• Managing incontinence in children is very important. This condition can be very embarrassing and may even lower self esteem. Applying some practical tips can make management of this condition easier for all parties involved. Be sure to inform your child's teachers of their condition. Be patient, supportive and certain to tell your child that this is a very common condition that a lot of children have. Make sure that your child continues to consume liquids to avoid dehydration. Liquids should never be withheld out of fear of incontinence.

Questions

• When a parent suspects urinary incontinence, he should ask himself a few questions. They include, but are not limited to: Does wetness occur during the day? What medication is taken? What surgeries, if any, have been performed? Have any injuries been sustained? Does the child complain of loss of control of the bladder?