November is men’s health month, which every year focuses attention on men’s health, especially on urological problems affecting them and their prevention options, including screening tests. However, it is important not only to think about adult men, but also very young boys, as in their case early detection plays an even more important role. The chief physician of the Buda Health Center, dr. Sándor Póth presents the most common pediatric urological diseases affecting boys, their causes and symptoms, and also provides useful advice for the prevention and treatment of more serious complications.
“In the case of both sexes, it is possible that some kind of abnormality affecting the genitals or urethra develops after birth, and in the later stages of life, patients and parents turn to pediatric urologists mostly with urinary tract infections, from newborn to 18 years of age. Unfortunately, from good-natured problems affecting the quality of life – e.g. hidden testicle, foreskin stricture, nocturnal urination – even life-threatening, e.g. tumors or changes causing serious functional disturbances may also appear in this age group. However, the majority of diseases can be effectively treated if detected in time, while maintaining the quality of life,” emphasizes Dr. Sándor Póth, chief urologist at the Buda Health Center.
Hidden testicle (cryptorchism) is one of the most common developmental disorders in boys, in which one or both testicles do not descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum before or after birth. It is typically located in the abdominal cavity, the inguinal canal, or above the scrotum. In 90 percent of cases, only one testicle is hidden, in 10 percent both testicles are hidden. This can be caused by a hormonal disorder, a genetic predisposition or a mechanical obstruction. In addition, in 7-9 cases out of 10, it is an accompanying disease for testicular descent disorders inguinal hernia or water hernia is also associated.
A mild form of the hidden testicle is the “pendulum testicle”, when the testicles are found in the scrotum in a resting, relaxed position, but sometimes they are pulled up from there due to certain stimuli. This condition is basically not pathological and usually does not require treatment, but if it persists beyond the age of three months, medical intervention may be necessary.
If the hidden testicle remains untreated, it can lead to fertility problems and the development of cancerous changes in adulthood. Treatment options include hormone therapy and surgery to fix the testicle to the scrotum. It is optimal to perform the surgery between 6-12 months of age, but no later than 18 months of age.
Foreskin narrowing (phimosis) is a condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted from the glans penis. It can be congenital or acquired (such as infection or inflammation). In early childhood, it can also be a natural phenomenon, which usually resolves itself, but in some cases, especially if it causes pain, difficulty urinating or infection, inflammation, it requires treatmentl. Depending on the type of stricture, conservative therapy, such as the use of creams and ointments, can be a solution, but in more severe cases, surgical intervention, such as foreskin removal (circumcision), is recommended.
Urinary tract infections are also common in childhood. In boys, they can appear mainly under the age of five, the anatomical structure of the foreskin and urethra predisposes them to infections, but inadequate hygiene can also cause them to develop.
Local irritation, frequent and painful urination, pungent odor, pain in the abdomen or lower back, and fever that occurs together with or independently of these can also indicate a urinary tract infection. It can even lead to pyelonephritis, which is why timely treatment is extremely important, which includes proper hygiene and ensuring sufficient fluid intake. In case of infection, targeted antibiotics are the most common treatment.
“It is of great importance to assess whether there is an anatomical abnormality behind the infection. We can check this with physical examination and ultrasound, which are painless and simple methods. More complex examinations may also be necessary, but these are usually planned and carried out in special institutes” says the specialist.
Nocturnal bedwetting
Many children experience nocturnal enuresis, which causes annoyance and concern to parents, especially above the age of five or six. If it occurs repeatedly, at least twice a week, or occurs after a dry period lasting several months, it is worth investigating possible health causes. There can be many reasons behind nighttime urination, and it can also be the first sign of an illnessz. Genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders, delayed bladder control, but also diabetes, infection or psychological factors can cause it. Understanding the child’s support is important, and if necessary, bladder training, moisture indicators or medication can also be considered.
“Regular urological check-ups are important even in infancy, in order to detect potential problems in time. Teaching good hygiene habits is also essential. If you notice any symptoms, contact a urologist immediately and do not ignore the child’s complaints, even if they seem mild. Pediatric urology examinations are performed by a specialist, who can order special examinations and treat problems with appropriate surgical interventions. In addition, the strategy clarified with the urologist can be just as much therapy as drug or surgical treatment. The aim of the treatments is to ensure the healthy development of children and to prevent later complications,” draws attention to Dr. Sándor Póth.
Source: Buda Health Center
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
