London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Ilford 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Ilford]
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further analysis and comparison of cases: —
| 1953 (97 new cases) | 1952 (153 new cases) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of boys dry | 23 (24% of total girls and boys) | 21 (14% of total girls and boys) |
| Number of girls dry | 6 (6% of total girls and boys) | 13 (8% of total girls and boys} |
| Total % dry | 30% | 22% |
| % boys attending | 75% | 61% |
| % girls attending | 25% | 39% |
| Average age of boys | 8.6 years | 7 years |
| Average age of girls | 7 years | 9 years |
| Average No. of visits (girls and boys dry) | 4 visits | 4 visits |
5. Conclusions.—The cases which have been slow to improve have
again fallen in the four main groups mentioned in my previous report,
namely: —
(a) Those with some frustration, either at home or at school.
(b) Overcrowding in the home.
(c) Mismanagement by one or both parents.
(d) Those with physical defect.
Again this year, it has been proved that time spent in talking to the
child and parenl is as valuable, or more so. than the medicinal treatment
given.
The home background is invariably important in the etiology of
intractible cases, and where it has been possible to alter environment or
circumstances, there has usually been a corresponding improvement in the
child's enuretic condition.
There have been a few cases in which the etiology has remained
obscure and treatment has not helped, and it would seem that in these
cases there may be some disharmony between the parasympathetic and
sympathetic innervation— (ref. Marshall, C. J.. Brit. Med. Journal, Feb.
6th, 1954), or the bladder may be of the infantile type.
Two 15 year old boys have illustrated this point quite well, and have
gradually become dry after two years' training and advice in routine.
The early waking routine for the "Pre-waking" enuretic has been
continued.
In the giving of the enuretic case history, and in the carrying out of
treatment and advice, the attitudes of both parents and children have continued
to be of interest and co-operation."