Voiding Disorders in Children

The function of the urinary bladder is to store urine at low pressure and to empty efficiently at a socially acceptable place and time. This complex process involves the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, detrusor muscle, and external urinary sphincter. Some of the bladder problems like incontinence, dribbling and enuresis may be obvious, but at other times they may not be so apparent. Voiding dysfunction should be suspected in the presence of recurrent urinary tract infections or increased daytime frequency. Such problems can cause significant distress to the child as well as parents and need to be evaluated properly. Investigations need to be tailored according to the individual case and unnecessary tests avoided. Appropriate drug therapy along with understanding of the problem and motivation by the family offer satisfactory results.