The Bladder Diary
A bladder diary, also known as a frequency-volume chart, is a simple tool for monitoring urinary habits. It records the number of times the child voids and the volume of urine passed with each void. To gather accurate information, the diary should be kept for at least 2 - 3 days, although non-consecutive days are acceptable. While a 3-day diary is more comprehensive, studies have shown that patie
A bladder diary, also known as a frequency-volume chart, is a simple tool for monitoring urinary habits. It records the number of times the child voids and the volume of urine passed with each void. To gather accurate information, the diary should be kept for at least 2 - 3 days, although non-consecutive days are acceptable.
While a 3-day diary is more comprehensive, studies have shown that patient compliance and participation are improved with a 2-day diary compared with a 3-day diary.[20-22]
When investigating the possibility of polyuria or constipation, the diary should be extended to 7 days, as these issues may only become apparent after the initial 3 days. The enuretic voided volume is calculated by weighing the nappy for children wearing night-time nappies. With the sum of the first morning void, this volume will give the patient’s nocturnal urine production.[23] It will help to identify whether nocturnal polyuria is present.[24]
The daytime portion of the diary helps to assess the presence of lower urinary tract dysfunction.[20-22] If present, there may be additional pathological contributions to enuresis.
To facilitate accurate tracking, suggested bladder diary templates are available. Links to PDF documents are provided.
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne: Bladder diary
or
NHS Royal United Hospitals Bath (NHS Foundation Trust): Bladder diary
or
Monash Childrens Hospital: Daily Bladder Diary Form
or
Bladder & Bowel UK: Baseline bladder diary for children
or
Evelina London (NHS Guy's and St thomas') NHS Foundation trust
The South African Medical Journal_The South African guidelines on enuresis: 2024 update_November 2024; Vol. 114, No. 11