The bladder is a muscular organ that stores the body's urine, which is a compilation of waste products and water. It is controlled by nerves that send signals from the brain of when to expel urine and when to retain urine. The National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse states that babies have an immature nervous system with an inability to control urine flow. As a child grows, his nervous system matures and he becomes more aware of bladder control.
Incontinence
Incontinence is an inability to control the flow of urine, causing urine leakage at inappropriate times. Episodes of incontinence may occur among children who are potty training, as they are continuing to learn control of the bladder muscles. Nighttime incontinence, or bedwetting, may occur when a child is unaware of muscle contractions for the bladder while she is asleep. While incontinence is embarrassing for a child, most children do grow out of it, an important fact to remember when managing the condition.
Infection
A bladder infection can occur when bacteria enters the normally sterile environment of the bladder. This is the result of inflammation of the urethra, which is the urinary opening; or incorrect wiping, which can leave stool close to the urethra. Bladder infections cause pain with urination, an increase in frequency of urination and the feeling of incomplete emptying. Children with bladder infections should drink plenty of water and a physician may need to prescribe antibiotics.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder occurs when the brain does not receive messages about urine in the bladder. When this occurs, a child does not know when to hold urine in or when to release it. Neurogenic bladder is the result of an infection of the brain or spinal cord, preventing the receiving of neurological messages. It can also occur with some congenital birth defects, such as spina bifida. Children with a neurogenic bladder may have trouble potty training, and they may have frequent incontinence or urinary tract infections.
Reflux
Urine is created in the kidneys and travels to the bladder through tubes called ureters. Each ureter has a one-way valve that prevents urine from traveling back to the kidney from the bladder. In children with vesicoureteral reflux, the one-way valve does not adequately function and some of the urine flows backward. This can cause kidney damage and infection. Many children outgrow vesicoureteral reflux, but in some unresolved cases, surgery may be required.
Tests
A child with bladder problems may undergo several types of tests to determine the cause and to decide on treatment. A urine sample can show the presence of bacteria or protein, which can indicate a bladder infection or neurogenic bladder. Children who have problems with incontinence or bladder reflux may have a voiding cystourethrogram, which is a radiologic test where a doctor can view the function of the bladder, ureters and urethra to check for blockage or backflow.
