Frequent urination in children is an often overlooked symptom that can potentially indicate underlying medical conditions such as a urinary tract infection or even juvenile diabetes. Any instance of frequent urination in children should be reported to the child's pediatrician so that proper testing can be ordered. Treatment is aimed at controlling or curing the underlying cause. For instance, urinary tract infections are often treated with oral antibiotics.
One of the most common causes of frequent urination in children is a urinary tract infection. The urinary tract consists of the bladder, the kidneys, and connecting tubes known as ureters and the urethra. Any time harmful bacteria enters the urinary tract, there is potential for infection. Other possible symptoms include fever or pain when urinating, and this condition is almost always treated with oral antibiotics.
Juvenile diabetes is another common cause of frequent urination in children. The child may be constantly thirsty and pass large amounts of urine at one time. Unexplained weight loss may also occur in some children. Urine and blood test are often performed in order to diagnose this condition. Treatment consists of working with the child's medical team to control blood sugar levels.
A condition known as voiding disorder may lead to frequent urination in children. This often happens when a child becomes afraid that he will miss something going on around him, and therefore he tries to rush his trip to the restroom. This can cause the bladder to empty only partially, leading to more frequent trips to the restroom. Over time, this can lead to a consistent inability to completely empty the bladder. Placing the child on a scheduled restroom routine, such as every couple of hours, can often prevent this issue from becoming a serious condition.
A medical condition known as pollakiuria is known to cause frequent urination in children during daytime hours. There is no known cause for this condition, and it generally resolves on its own without medical intervention. The child with pollakiuria may have the need to urinate up to 30 times per day, but very little urine is expelled at each visit to the restroom.
Most causes of frequent urination in children can be treated fairly easily. As so many conditions can involve this symptom, an accurate diagnosis is important. Any changes in a child's urinary habits should be reported to a doctor right away so that proper treatment can begin.
