Kidney stones can happen to kids, not just adults. They are hard crystals that form in the kidneys and can cause discomfort as they pass through the body.

Signs and Symptoms: If your child has kidney stones, they might experience:

•          Severe pain in the side or back, sometimes with stomach pain.

•          Pink or red urine because of blood.

•          Feeling like they need to pee a lot or pain while peeing.

•          Throwing up or feeling nauseous.

•          Having unexplained fevers or urinary tract infections.

Causes and Risk Factors: Kidney stones in kids can be caused by different things, but some common risks are:

•          Not drinking enough water, which can make minerals in the urine stick together and form stones.

•          If other family members had kidney stones, your child might be more likely to get them too.

•          Eating too much salt, animal protein, or certain minerals can add to the risk.

•          Sometimes, certain medical conditions or issues with the urinary tract can make stones more likely.

Diagnosis: If you think your child might have kidney stones, it's important to see a doctor. They will do a check-up and order tests like urine analysis, ultrasound, or X-ray to see if there are kidney stones and where they are.

Treatment and Management: The treatment depends on the size and location of the stones. Small stones might pass on their own with more water and pain relief. But bigger stones or ones that hurt a lot may need medical help. Treatment options can include:

•          Making sure your child drinks plenty of water to help the stones come out.

•          Giving over-the-counter pain medicine to help with the discomfort.

•          Sometimes, the doctor might need to do procedures like using sound waves or a laser to break up or remove the stones.

Prevention: To lower the chances of kidney stones in children, you can do these things:

•          Make sure your child drinks enough water every day.

•          Encourage them to eat a balanced diet with less salt and animal protein.

•          Keep up with regular visits to the doctor to keep an eye on your child's health.

Remember, kidney stones in children can be managed well with the right medical care and lifestyle changes. If you think your child might have kidney stones, talk to a doctor to get the right advice for their health and well-being.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common concern for parents, especially in children. UTIs are infections that affect the bladder, kidneys, or the tubes connecting them, and they can cause discomfort and distress for your child. It's essential to be aware of the signs, causes, and preventive measures to manage recurrent UTIs effectively.

Signs of Recurrent UTIs:

- Frequent need to urinate

- Pain or burning during urination

- Foul-smelling or cloudy urine

- Abdominal pain or discomfort

- Fever or chills

Causes of Recurrent UTIs in Children:

Recurrent UTIs in children can be attributed to various factors, including:

- Incomplete bladder emptying: When urine is left in the bladder, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

- Urinary tract abnormalities: Some children may have structural issues in their urinary system, making them more prone to infections.

- Poor bathroom habits: Not urinating regularly or wiping improperly can contribute to UTIs.

- Holding urine: Avoiding bathroom trips can lead to bacterial growth in the urinary tract.

- Constipation: Constipation can put pressure on the bladder and hinder complete emptying.

Preventive Measures:

To reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in your child, you can consider the following preventive measures:

- Encourage frequent bathroom breaks: Remind your child to empty their bladder regularly.

- Promote proper hygiene: Teach your child to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

- Ensure adequate fluid intake: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

- Treat constipation promptly: Address any issues with bowel movements to avoid pressure on the bladder.

- Avoid harsh soaps: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps for bathing to prevent irritation.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If your child experiences symptoms of a UTI, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Left untreated, recurrent UTIs can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections. The doctor will perform a urine test and, if necessary, recommend further evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment for Recurrent UTIs:

Treatment for recurrent UTIs may involve a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as ultrasounds or voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG), to check for any structural abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Conclusion:

Recurrent UTIs in children can be concerning, but with awareness and preventive measures, you can help minimize their occurrence. By promoting good bathroom habits, maintaining proper hygiene, and staying vigilant for any signs of UTIs, you can ensure your child's urinary health and overall well-being. If you suspect your child has a recurrent UTI, seek medical advice promptly to provide them with the appropriate care and prevent complications.

العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية هي مصدر قلق شائع للآباء والأمهات، خصوصًا عند الأطفال. العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية هي عبارة عن عدوى تؤثر على المثانة والكلى أو الأنابيب المتصلة بهما، ويمكن أن تسبب إزعاجًا وضيقًا لطفلك. من الضروري أن تكون على دراية بالعلامات والأسباب والإجراءات الوقائية للتعامل بفعالية مع العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية.

علامات العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية:

- الحاجة المتكررة للتبول

- ألم أو حرق أثناء التبول

- بول ذو رائحة كريهة أو غير واضح

- ألم أو إزعاج في البطن

- حمى أو ارتجاف

أسباب العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية في الأطفال:

يمكن أن يعزى السبب وراء العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية عند الأطفال إلى عوامل مختلفة، بما في ذلك:

- عدم إفراغ المثانة بشكل كامل: عندما يتبقى البول في المثانة، يُكوِّن بيئة مناسبة لتكاثر البكتيريا.

- تشوهات في مسار المسالك البولية: قد يعاني بعض الأطفال من مشاكل هيكلية في نظامهم البولي، مما يجعلهم أكثر عرضة للعدوى.

- عادات الحمام غير السليمة: عدم التبول بانتظام أو عدم مسح الجسم بشكل صحيح يمكن أن يسهم في حدوث العدوى.

- تأجيل التبول: تجنب زيارات الحمام يمكن أن يؤدي إلى نمو البكتيريا في المسالك البولية.

- الإمساك: يمكن أن يضع الإمساك ضغطًا على المثانة ويعيق التفريغ الكامل.

إجراءات الوقاية:

لتقليل مخاطر حدوث العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية عند طفلك، يمكنك مراعاة الإجراءات الوقائية التالية:

- تشجيع الذهاب المتكرر للحمام: تذكير طفلك بتفريغ مثانته بانتظام.

- تعزيز النظافة السليمة: تعليم طفلك مسح جسمه من الأمام إلى الخلف بعد استخدام الحمام.

- ضمان تناول كمية كافية من السوائل: تشجيع طفلك على شرب الكثير من الماء طوال اليوم.

- علاج الإمساك بسرعة: التعامل مع أي مشاكل تتعلق بحركات الأمعاء لتجنب الضغط على المثانة.

- تجنب الصابون القاسي: استخدم الصابون اللطيف والخالي من العطور أثناء الاستحمام لتجنب التهيج.

متى يجب طلب المساعدة الطبية:

إذا شعر طفلك بأعراض عدوى متكررة للمسالك البولية، فمن الضروري استشارة الطبيب بسرعة. إذا تركت العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية بدون علاج، يمكن أن تؤدي إلى مضاعفات أكثر خطورة. سيقوم الطبيب بإجراء اختبار للبول وإذا لزم الأمر، سيوصي بإجراء تقييم إضافي لتحديد السبب الكامن.

علاج العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية:

قد يتضمن علاج العدوى المتكررة للمسالك البولية دورة من الأدوية المضادة للبكتيريا للتخلص من العدوى. في بعض الحالات، قد يقترح الطبيب إجراء اختبارات إضافية، مثل الأمواج فوق الصوتية أو تصوير الكيسة ومجرى البول (VCUG)

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can also affect children, not just adults. It's important for parents to know about it because finding and managing it early is crucial for kids' health.

What is Hypertension in Children? Hypertension in children means their blood pressure is higher than what's normal for their age, sex, and height. Blood pressure is the force of blood in their arteries as their heart pumps it. High blood pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to serious health problems if not treated.

Causes and Risk Factors: Hypertension in kids can happen without a clear reason (primary) or be caused by other health issues (secondary). It can be linked to things like an unhealthy diet, not being active enough, or being overweight. Sometimes, it's connected to problems in the kidneys, heart, hormones, or certain medications.

Signs and Symptoms: Hypertension in children might not show obvious signs, so getting their blood pressure checked regularly is important, especially if they have risk factors. Sometimes, kids with really high blood pressure might have headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, or feel short of breath.

Diagnosis: To find out if a child has hypertension, doctors measure their blood pressure using a proper cuff size. They compare the numbers to what's normal for kids of the same age, sex, and height. If the blood pressure is consistently high, they might do more tests to figure out why. Sometimes, they use a special 24-hour blood pressure monitor to help with the diagnosis.

Treatment and Management: Managing hypertension in children means dealing with the cause if possible and making lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure. Depending on how serious it is and what's causing it, doctors might suggest:

- Eating a balanced diet with less salt and more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

- Being physically active regularly to stay healthy and help the heart.

- Taking medicine if lifestyle changes alone aren't enough.

Prevention: Parents can help prevent hypertension in children by encouraging a healthy lifestyle from a young age. This includes:

- Eating good, nutritious food.

- Not having too much processed food with too much salt and sugar.

- Staying active and not sitting around too much.

- Going for regular check-ups, including blood pressure checks.

Conclusion: Hypertension is a serious health concern for children, so being aware and taking action is important. Parents can do a lot by promoting a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups. If there are worries about a child's blood pressure, it's essential to talk to a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and care.

Enuresis, also known as bedwetting, refers to the involuntary release of urine, especially among children during the night.

Enuresis is typically diagnosed after the age of 5. It can be categorized into two types: primary and secondary. Primary enuresis is more prevalent in boys than girls and often has a familial tendency. Incidence rates are approximately 10% to 15% among 5-year-old children and 6% to 8% among 8-year-olds. This frequency declines to 1% to 2% by the age of 15, as stated in the position statement of the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).

It's important to recognize that primary nocturnal enuresis is a normal variation in the development of bladder control.

Possible reasons for bedwetting include:

- Underdeveloped bladder capacity to hold nighttime urine.

- Presence of sleep apnea, which can contribute to enuresis.

- Constipation, which can compress the bladder, reducing its capacity.

- Incomplete emptying of the bladder before bedtime.

- Structural issues within the urinary tract or nervous system.

- Urinary tract infections.

When to consult a doctor:

While most children naturally outgrow bedwetting by puberty, some may require assistance due to an underlying condition. It's recommended to consult a doctor if:

- Bedwetting persists after the age of 5.

- Bedwetting is accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, painful urination, or blood in urine.

- The child had been successfully toilet trained for over 6 months before the onset of bedwetting.

How to support your child:

In accordance with the CPS statement (https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/primary-nocturnal-enuresis):

- Reassure your child that this is a normal part of development.

- Limit caffeine consumption before bedtime.

- Avoid fluids 2 hours before bedtime.

- Ensure your child uses the restroom before going to bed.

- Maintain your child's self-esteem.

- Involve the child in morning cleanup in a positive way.

- The most effective long-term therapy is a conditioning alarm system, commonly known as a "bedwetting alarm." This alarm, attached to the child's pajamas, is connected by a wire to a moisture sensor placed in the underwear. Success rates exceed 50% in the long term. These alarms are affordable, with prices ranging from AED 200 to AED 1,000.

- Pharmacological therapy using desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) has specific indications. It's advisable to consult a physician before considering this option.