Overcoming Bladder & Bowel Problems in C

by D. Preston Smith

This 140-page complete book discusses the causes and treatment for bladder and bowel problems in children. The author is a Pediatric Urologist and father of three children. The foreword is also written by a pediatric urologist. It discusses problems of urinary frequency, urgency, infections, accidents, holding, and bedwetting. Constipation and encopresis (bowel accidents) are discussed in depth. Illustrations and simple explanations are provided. Treatment plans and options are provided to help most children and families overcome these common problems. The comprehensive book includes fiber calculations and child-friendly fiber recipes. This book has received the endorsements of pediatricians, pediatric urologists, and pediatric gastroenterologists.

100 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

D. Preston Smith, MD, FAAP, FACS, FSPU, graduated Rice with honors in Economics, attended the UT Medical School and did his Urology Residency at Northwestern and trade fellowship in Pediatric Urology at the U. of Tennessee. Board certified, he has written widely in the field.

Reviews

[Teddee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly useful plain language primer for parents on bladder and bowel issues. Even well researched parents will find useful tips in here. I praise this book, not for the particular "program" which it prescribes, but for its educational depth in certain areas and for its clarity of explanation. Ch 7 is a useful summary of how the bladder and bowel work, which I think is important for parents to understand if they are to know how teach their children what to do. Although I glossed over the urinary incontinence sections, there are many points in those chapters that are useful to parents of kids with constipation or encopresis, like the issue of tight holding which then becomes hard to unwind for a bowel movement (solution: potty yoga). The descriptions of various medical procedures in Ch 11 is invaluable to any parent wanting to know the nature and type of invasive test procedures. The descriptions in ch 13 of various medicines used in the treatment of bladder and bowel problems, and their mechanism of action, is very useful and educational for parents. Some parents may also find the fiber appendix and the constipation=friendly recipes useful.

Quotable quotes:
"The best management for constipation is based on two basic principles: Empty the rectum; and keep it empty."

"It is generally accepted by most physicians that taking laxatives and medications by mouth are preferable long-term to anything given by rectum (enemas and suppositories)"

"Super poopers = super peeers"

Overall, what is presented is a fairly conventional medical approach to constipation and to urinary and fecal incontinence. If you are using the conventional approach, this is the perfect book for educating yourself on your MD's approach and how you can maximize your results. That being said, even parents using alternative approaches will find useful or intriguing nuggets of information that will inspire them to do further research.

Diet section was a little hard to trust because he did not show any awareness of certain fruits such as pears and prunes as containing sorbitol, a natural laxative. He treated them purely as fiber agents. My understanding is that fiber laxatives would be a more accurate term.

Pelvic floor dyssnergia is mentioned only cursorily, and no unique solutions to that problem are provided. Just a brief mention of biofeedback.

One criticism I would have is the way the book discourages educating children under 6. Although it is true that information from young children is hard to rely on, and though kids may not understand the information given then, I think it is a very bad idea to discourage parents from involving the child in the process and allowing the child to feel some measure of control, which at the very least requires basic explanations of what is happening and why. The very act of explaining to children empowers them, and gives them a measure of control.

[Nathan Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it just in case.