Functional bladder problems in children: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Functional Bowel and Bladder Disorders

Background:

• Functional lower urinary tract problems encompass a range of symptoms including overactive bladder, voiding postponement, and incontinence.
• These conditions are often referred to by various terms such as bladder and bowel problems or dysfunctional elimination syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the nomenclature of functional bladder disorders in children.
• To explore the pathophysiology of these disorders from a novel perspective.
• To outline current and emerging treatment options and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on functional lower urinary tract problems.
• Discussion of pathophysiology with a focus on a new viewpoint.
• Description of standard and newer medical treatments.
• Development of treatment algorithms for urinary frequency and incontinence.

Main Results:

• Clarification of terminology for a common set of pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Presentation of a revised understanding of the pathophysiology.
• Overview of established and innovative therapeutic approaches.
• Provision of practical treatment algorithms for clinical use.

Conclusions:

• Standardized nomenclature and a new pathophysiological perspective are crucial for managing functional bladder disorders.
• A range of treatments, from standard to novel, are available and supported by management algorithms.
• Effective management requires a comprehensive approach considering both pathophysiology and treatment options.