The HAWK (Help Awaiting Wet Kids) Clinic at Georgia Urology specializes in treating children with urinary incontinence issues and voiding dysfunction (abnormal urination). These issues can happen in 20-30% of kids and can happen for a variety of reasons including (and most often) voiding behaviors, anatomy, or abnormal function. Wetting and other symptoms of voiding dysfunction can be stressful for both kids and their parents. Our team of nurse practitioners and doctors are here to help evaluate and treat your child’s symptoms.
Who is Seen in the HAWK Clinic?
A variety of voiding dysfunction symptoms are seen in the HAWK Clinic including:
Daytime wetting
Nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting
Urinary tract infections
Urinary urgency and/or frequency
Urinary retention
Dysuria (painful urination)
Constipation
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Penile Pain
What to Expect at the Clinic Visit
Our goal at the HAWK clinic is to evaluate why your child is having symptoms and to develop a treatment plan to resolve these symptoms. This starts with a comprehensive history and physical assessment. It is important to understand your child’s regular bathroom habits including the number of times they use the restroom, number, and frequency of accidents, frequency of bowel movements, and history of UTIs. A detailed history helps us to characterize your child’s bathroom habits to allow proper evaluation. You may be given a voiding diary to get a clear idea of your child’s bathroom habits. During the physical exam, we will evaluate their abdomen, spine/back, and genitals.
Diagnostic testing may be recommended at your first visit or future visits. Most often this involves a urine test and culture, and bladder and/or kidney ultrasound, both are usually done in our office. Other testing may be recommended based on your child’s symptoms. If any of these tests are needed, they will be discussed in detail.
Treatment Options
Voiding dysfunction in children is usually correctable. Based on our assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be recommended. It is important to note that improvement in symptoms often requires time and a combination and variety of treatments. Some of the more common treatments that may be recommended are:
Bowel and bladder retraining including behavioral modification, scheduled bathroom breaks throughout the day to allow for regular voiding and stooling, management of constipation, fluid management, and dietary changes
Pharmacotherapy- medications may be required for management of your child’s symptoms
Biofeedback- a training program designed to train the pelvic floor to relax to improve urinary incontinence and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
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