Gelisim News

Urinary incontinence, also known as bedwetting in the society, is very common, especially in children. Moreover, daywetting can also occur in some children. Stating that this problem, which starts in childhood, may cause greater problems if untreated, Physiotherapist Lecturer İlknur Atkın said: “Prospective psychological problems can create a disruptive process for both the child and the family.”

Citing that the habit of holding urine in children can cause great problems such as incontinence before going to the toilet and frequently experienced urinary tract infections, Physiotherapist Atkın said: “In addition to urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence occurs in some children, as well. Parents may feel stress, especially these times when the academic year has begun. This may be a bit more challenging for children who start the school for the first and especially for children who suffer from incontinence urine, since they are not accustomed to the school. Introvert children may leak urine because they hold their urine for the whole course and cannot go to the toilet in the right time or they cannot get permission to go to the toilet. Or it may occur in children who have further problems and cannot control their urine. Because of the high rate of anxiety in children who leak urine, it causes psychological problems such as not wanting to be friends because of the smell and not being able to give themselves full in the classes.”

Suggesting that if a child still experience bedwetting although s/he has started the school, s/he should consult a doctor first, Physiotherapist Atkın said: “In healthy children, we expect to have urine control in daytime for the age of 2-4 years and in the nighttime for the age of 3-5 years. At the end of the tests and the examination performed by the physician, the underlying cause of the urinary incontinence problem can be found. Urinary incontinence is no longer insoluble, thanks to the recent possibilities. Especially with physical therapy and rehabilitation, we have a chance to get rid of the urinary incontinence problem in children. In this area, which develops as a pelvic floor physiotherapist, physiotherapists provide bladder and bowel training to children. In this training, the child is given a specific exercise program to strengthen the subgroup muscles. It is a great advantage for the parents to accompany this process and be with their children. If the exercise program is turned into homework, the result occurs faster and more accurate.”

Adding that children have healthy bladder and bowel is important for future quality of life, Physiotherapist Atkın continued: “In children who hold their urine for a very long time and postpone going to the toilet, the function of the pelvic floor muscles may impair in the future. Parents should pay attention to this situation and take precautions immediately. In this way, the child can feel more comfortable and secure in her/his social life.”