[Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children].

Abstract

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in children and can significantly impact the quality of life in affected children and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, diagnostics, and treatment, with a particular focus on nonorganic urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis. Accurate diagnostics are essential to differentiate between organic and functional causes, as well as to distinguish primary from secondary forms of urinary incontinence. Basic diagnostics, including medical history, physical examination, and voiding diaries, form the foundation, while specialized diagnostics such as uroflowmetry or imaging enhance the evaluation of complex cases. Treatment of functional LUTD is primarily conservative, involving behavioral interventions as part of urotherapy, supported by pharmacological options like desmopressin or anticholinergics. Effective therapy also requires addressing comorbid conditions, such as chronic constipation or psychological disorders. In this article, the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and individualized therapy to achieve lasting symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life is emphasized.