What to Expect from a Continence Assessment for Your Child
by Vernon Foster
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is healthy and comfortable at all times. It can be quite worrying if your child has problems with bladder or bowel control. This is when a continence assessment is recommended. Read on to learn what to expect from a continence assessment for your child.
Preparing for the Assessment
Once you decide to go for a continence assessment, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP or pediatrician. You may be asked to keep a bladder and bowel diary of your child's activities for a few days before the appointment. This diary will include details such as the time, type and amount of food and drink taken and when your child goes to the bathroom. It will provide the healthcare professional with important information about your child's bathroom habits. You may also be asked to bring your child's medical history, including previous surgeries or illnesses, to the appointment.
The Assessment Process
During the assessment, a healthcare professional will ask both you and your child questions about any bladder or bowel control problems they may be experiencing. They may also ask about any medications your child is currently taking and how much water they drink. The healthcare professional will conduct a thorough physical examination to detect any irregularities in the rectum or bladder, ensuring comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis. They may also recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI if necessary.
Treatment Options
After the assessment is finished, the healthcare professional will diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and engage in a thorough discussion of various treatment options with you. The treatment plan may include medication, physiotherapy or dietary changes. The healthcare professional may also refer your child to a specialist if needed. They will also discuss with you the importance of good toilet habits, such as regular toilet breaks, the right posture for sitting on the toilet and effective wiping.
Follow-up Appointment
Following the assessment, you will be asked to book a follow-up appointment with your GP or pediatrician. This is to monitor your child's progress and make any necessary changes to the treatment plan. You may be asked to keep a new bladder and bowel diary to track progress, which will be reviewed during the follow-up appointment.
If you suspect that your child is experiencing bladder or bowel control problems, don't hesitate to book a continence assessment. The assessment is a thorough evaluation that helps determine the cause of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment options. As a parent, it is also crucial to offer emotional support to your child during this time. The continence assessment may seem overwhelming, but it is an essential step toward improving your child's quality of life.
Consider making an NDIS continence consultation with a local clinic to learn more.
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About Me
Hello, my name is Peter and I live in Western Australia with my wife on our pet dogs. This is my blog which details how to deal with various medical emergencies and other conditions. Last year, several friends and members of my family suffered from various different kinds of medical problems. Some of them, such as my uncle had to be rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment that saved his life. Lots of my friends had minor problems which had a big impact on the quality of their lives. I take an active interest in first-aid and other medical matters so I decided to start this blog.