Signs and symptoms require investigation

Once again, we feel the need to respond to an article on the Health page published in Oct. 14.

Traditional medicine and homeopathy can work together for the good health of children and adults, but children metabolize products differently than adults, and have different disease processes than adults. Some signs and symptoms require investigation and intervention rather than covering up the symptoms with medication.

Daytime and nighttime bowel and bladder control are developmental milestones that both parents and children look forward to. Most children “potty train” themselves for daytime between the ages of two and four. Nighttime control is different and does rely on brain and bladder maturity, usually requiring no intervention. Certain symptoms that occur during potty training should lead the parent to seek medical intervention.

If a child dribbles urine throughout the day, despite using the toilet, there may be a connection problem that should be investigated and can be corrected. If a child is potty trained and then starts having more frequent wetting accidents, it could be a sign of a bladder infection. It could also be a reaction to stress or the first sign of diabetes.

A simple urine test in the doctor’s office would differentiate between these possibilities.

Many children take months to develop consistent daytime and nighttime control. It is important to help the child feel successful and not shame as they are mastering this normal developmental milestone.

If at any time a parent thinks their child is having trouble mastering what should be a normal body function, this should be investigated. Developmental delays, autism, and other disease processes are many times diagnosed based on the reports from the parents who see their child doing something outside the norm. Parents are the first and best advocates for their children, and we encourage their active participation in this journey.

DRS. GEORGE DELAND, JOYCE GILBERT, ROBIN HELM, KATHERINE SCHLOTFELDT and NURSE PRACTITIONER TRACEY KOCH

Sandpoint Pediatrics