Dysfunctional Voiding - UW Health

Overactive BladderOveractive BladderOveractive bladder is very common in children. This handout will tell you about it.Signs and Symptoms• Overactive bladder is a result of bladder spasms. Your child’s bladder may all of a suddencontract, even before it is full. This makes your child feel like he has to go to the bathroomright away. You may notice him dancing around or sitting on a foot in efforts to stop thissudden urge.• Some children with overactive bladders often have wetting accidents because they cannot getto the bathroom fast enough. Your child is not holding his urine too long. This has nothingto do with being naughty. Bladder spasms are very hard to control. Some wetting accidentsmay happen without the child realizing it.• Many children with overactive bladder will often have urinary tract infections. Wettingaccidents increase the chance of infection.• Constipation is very common and will cause the bladder to spasm. You might not know thatyour child is constipated. A bowel plan is a key part of treating the overactive bladder.MedicinesYour doctor will discuss the medicines that are used to treat this condition.• Oxybutynin is used to relax the bladder and control bladder spasms. Facial flushing is acommon side effect. Oxybutynin comes in a patch, tablet, and liquid forms.• MiraLax ® is a powder that is used to keep your child’s bowel movements regular andsoft. It has no taste and can be mixed in water or juice. Your doctor will prescribe a dosethat is very gentle and safe.• If your child has had many urinary tract infections or has one now, he will also take adaily antibiotic.Overactive bladder may be very frustrating for both parent and child. With patience and theproper treatment, many of the symptoms can be eased.

How do I get more information?Call the Urology Clinic, Monday-Friday 8:00 – 4:30 at (608) 263-4757.If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the Urology Clinic.Copyright ©5/2010. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by theDepartment of Nursing UWH # 5965