P. Hoebeke
Feb 1, 2010
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Journal
Journal of Pediatric Urology
Abstract
Did you know that a good belly laugh can give you the same benefits as an aerobic workout? Additionally, laughter boosts the immune system, and lessens pain. Laughing also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on our overall well being. Plus, it’s free! A recent cross-cultural study explored along with various personality factors the relationship between laughter and disease prevalence and concludes that there is a benefit to clinicians to incorporate laughter history into their general medical history taking [1]. For us paediatric urologists seeing children with giggle incontinence we get in trouble when we listen to a history of incontinence with laughing, as until today no good therapy is available. However there is some hope with 2 recent publications addressing the issue of treatment of giggle incontinence. In a retrospective study the effect of methylphenidate for giggle incontinence was evaluated and the response to methylphenidate was quick and complete in 80% [2]. Another study addresses the issue of biofeedback. By heightening external urinary sphincter awareness and muscle recruitment using biofeedback techniques positive results were obtained. Treatment with education and