Urologic problems are not limited to adults. They also affect children of all ages. That's why Henry Ford, known for its exceptional pediatric care, offers pediatric urologic care to treat a variety of problems.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary infections are caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. About one to two percent of children develop a urinary tract infection. The infection is not the concern as much as the chronic problems or damage it can cause to the kidneys, and therefore, should be treated immediately.
If there is blood in the urine, a bad odor to the urine and/or a persistent change in urinary patterns, the child should see his or her pediatrician.
One or two infections could indicate something more serious that should be diagnosed and corrected by a urologist. A urologist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection, and may also order x-rays of the urinary system to make sure there are no functional or structural problems with the urinary tract.
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Vesicoureteral Reflux is a condition where urine travels backward from the bladder to the kidney through one or both ureters. It is usually caused by a birth defect where the flap valve mechanism that connects the ureter to the bladder is not functioning properly. The problem is more common in Caucasian girls. It is usually diagnosed after a child suffers from a urinary tract infection. The patient should see a urologist immediately to avoid the risks of future kidney infections and damage. Henry Fords pediatric urologists may treat the problem medically and surgically (as many children will outgrow this problem spontaneously if their kidneys are protected from infection in the meantime).
Bed Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
About one-quarter of children past the age of three continue to wet the bed. Bed wetting is more common in boys, and usually stops by adolescence.
The exact cause of bed wetting is unknown, and parents need to realize that their child has no control over the problem. Therefore, punishment is never an option for dealing with the problem. Instead parents should see a pediatric urologist to rule out the possibility of physical problems, and to consider possible treatments, including:
Medication - The most common is deamino arginine vasopressin, available as a nasal spray and in an oral form. This drug decreases the amount of urine produced at night. Studies have shown that about 25 percent of patients are completely dry with nightly use of this medication. Oxybutinian may be used in cases of daytime urgency and/or incontinence. Imipramine, a drug thats been around for a while and is commonly used as an anti-depressant for adults, has also been found effective for relieving nocturnal enuresis. (Note: While medications may be effective for treatment, they will not always cure the problem. Furthermore, bed wetting may recur if the medications are stopped.)
Behavior modification - This is the most effective, but requires the most motivation. An alarm kit, which is available at many pharmacies, can be used to wake the child at the first signs of wetness, and eventually condition the child to wake up before the bed wetting occurs.
Problems in Boys
Undescended Testes
Testicles are formed up near the kidneys behind the abdominal contents and then descend to the scrotal sac, usually by nine to 12 months of age (at the latest). A new born physical and subsequent check-ups should detect whether or not the testes have descended.
If they have not descended by the age of one, that child should be seen by a pediatric urologist. Its very important to have this treated, because a male with undescended testes is prone to infertility problems later in life and is up to 50 times more likely to develop testicular cancer.
The problem can occur on one or both sides. Henry Ford urologists can treat it in an outpatient procedure known as orchidopexy.
Hydrocele
Hydrocele is a painless swelling of the scrotal sac caused by the collection of fluid in normal membrane around the testicle. When this problem occurs with infants, it should be treated after 1-1 1/2 years of age. Urologists can correct the problem through an outpatient procedure.
Torsion
Torsion is the condition of a testicle which is twisted on the cord (stalk) from which it hangs. It can occur at any age in children or adults, but is most common during adolescence. The problem may not be physically obvious, but is usually accompanied by sudden and severe pain followed by swelling. Since torsion can prevent blood from flowing to the testicle, a urologist should be seen immediately to repair the problem within about eight hours. When sudden, severe scrotal pain occurs and there is no history of trauma, go to the emergency room if an office appointment is not immediately available.
