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pediatric urology 101
Pediatric urologists are surgeons who can diagnose, treat and care for infant and children’s urinary and genital problems.
The most common health issue seen by pediatric urologists is a urinary tract infection (UTI). These happen more often in girls than in boys.
Children with a simple bladder infection are most often treated at home with antibiotics given by mouth. Those with a stronger infection may need to be treated in a hospital.
About 8 percent of girls and 1-2 percent of boys have had a UTI by the time they are 5 years old.
If a child has more than one UTI, then he or she should see a pediatric urologist.
Other health issues treated by
pediatric urologists:
Bedwetting
A common problem for more than 5 million children in the U.S. It is slightly more common in boys than in girls. In some young children, daytime wetting may also happen. These accidents could be a sign of a UTI or some other issue that has to do with the urinary tract.
Undescended testicles
Found in about 3 or 4 out of 100 newborns (and up to 21 out of 100 premature newborns). About half of these testicles will drop on their own during the first three months of life. About 1 or 2 out of 100 boys with undescended testicles will need care.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
A health problem in which urine travels backward from the bladder toward the kidney. VUR occurs in about 10 percent of healthy children. About three-quarters of children treated for VUR are girls.
Hernia
Occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the stomach muscle. In children, a hernia often occurs around the belly button or in the groin area.
Prenatal Hydronephrosis
A swelling of the kidney due to a backup of urine. This health issue is the most common defect found on ultrasounds during pregnancy.
UrologyHealth.org | SPRING 2016 | UROLOGYHEALTH extra