Problems may include daytime wetting, bed wetting, constipation, frequent urination or urgency (overactive bladder) and giggle incontinence. A number of these problems can be managed with the advice below however if symptoms continue it is important to speak with a doctor or paediatrician for further advice.
Constipation
Most children’s bladder problems are caused by constipation. Constipation may be present if a child is not going to the toilet often enough, having poo that is hard, difficult to pass or requires straining. Passing a large amount of poo or pooing small amounts more than 3 times a day can also indicate constipation. The best way to get rid of constipation is to treat it early as the longer it is left, the harder it is to treat.
Poo checker
What's your poo telling you?
Type 1 Small hard lumps like rabbit droppings. This suggests severe constipation.
Type 2 Sausage shaped, but hard and lumpy. This suggests constipation.
Type 3 Sausage shaped, but hard, with cracks on the surface. This suggests constipation.
Type 4 A soft, smooth sausage - THE IDEAL POO!
Type 5 Separate soft blobs. May be fine if the child is well and softer poos can be accounted for e.g. increased intake of fibre or taking laxative.
Type 6 A mushy stool. May be fine if the child is well and softer poos can be accounted for e.g. increased intake of fibre or taking laxative.
Type 7 A liquid stool. This could be diarrhoea or overflow.
*Based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale produced by Dr KW Heaton, Reader in Medicine at the University of Bristol.
What can you do?
- The ERIC website for videos and tips to help relieve constipation.
- Read NHS Fife Constipation leaflet
- Watch this Toilet Positioning video to see how sitting properly on the toilet can help.
Good bladder habits
There are lots of things you can try to improve the way your bladder behaves.
What can you do?
- Fill in a bladder diary to record information about your drinking and bladder habits
- Read the NHS Fife Daytime Wetting in Children and Young People leaflet
- Look at paediatric resources such as ERIC website and Bladder and Bowel UK
Pelvic Floor Exercises
These can help to improve the muscles that control the bladder and bowel.
What can you do?
- Watch this video - NHS Highland pelvic floor exercises for teenagers
