Urinary problems can be an indicator of Kidney Damage

Urinary problems are commonly encountered in children of all age groups. It may vary from burning Micturating, pain during passage of urine, dribbling of urine, not passing urine in stream, recurrent urinary tract infection, bedwetting in older children, frequent passage of urine unknowingly in clothes. It is troublesome for the child most of the time. Sometimes it may become a social stigma, as no one likes to play with a child having wet and smelly clothes. It becomes difficult for the child to attend school, as frequent complaints from teachers and fellow classmates reduce the self-esteem of the child. These problems could be an indication of various Paediatric Urology diseases that may cause kidney damage if not detected and treated on time. Nowadays antenatal ultrasound done during pregnancy detect several common Pediatric Urology problems which can be treated after birth and hence kidney damage and an array of urinary problems can be avoided. Broadly there are four kinds of paediatric urology diseases encountered in day to day practice. Posterior urethra valve is a disease which can be detected during pregnancy before the birth of the child. There is partial obstruction in the urethra (part through which urine passes to come out of the body). If undetected for a long period of time and finally if the diagnosis is delayed, the child may have permanent kidney damage. Ultrasound, Micturating cystourethrogram are two investigations that can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is done by Pediatric Cystoscopy in which no cut is made over body and obstruction is removed and the child leads a happy life thereafter. child may suffer from recurrent urinary infection, dribbling of urine Hydronephrosis is swelling up of the kidney because of obstruction in outflow of urine from kidney. It is usually diagnosed during pregnancy and Paediatric Surgeons operate and cure the disease by creating a pathway for drainage of urine as early as 4 to 6 weeks of age and hence kidney is protected from getting damaged. Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is a disease where the urine keeps circulating in the system. Urine is waste product of the body meant to be thrown out. There is unidirectional flow of urine from kidney to outside. Here, when we urge to urinate, bladder compresses and urine is sent back to kidneys, hence it keeps infecting and damaging the kidney. The child presents with recurrent urinary infections. The diagnosis is made by Micturating Cystourethrogram. Treatment is by creating a valve mechanism to prevent reflux and hence the cure. Neurogenic bladder is a complex entity due to neural dysfunction. So, the crux is don't ignore urinary problems in children. Meet your nearest Pediatric Surgeon whenever there is a problem so that the kidneys of your child can be saved in time before they get damaged.