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Frequent Urinating in Children

The problem of frequent urination in children can be somewhat difficult to diagnose. There are several possible causes of this condition. Some cases are not serious and can be corrected with little difficulty. Other cases may indicate more serious underlying health issues that will require further examination by a qualified medical professional, such as a pediatrician or urologist. In some cases of frequent urination in children, there may be symptoms of diabetes present that will necessitate a more specific diagnostic examination of the problem.

  1. Symptoms

    • A child will urinate more often than adults. A child's bladder is smaller and they tend to process fluids more quickly than adults. However, a child that feels the need to urinate between 10 to 30 times a day is exhibiting symptoms of frequent urination. Children who have to urinate frequently at night, or who wet the bed, may also be exhibiting signs of frequent urination. Polyuria, a condition that causes excessive amounts of urine, is a different problem, yet it can be a relative symptom.

    Causes

    • A child's bladder is relatively small in size. Yet his liquid intake can often be high, especially if he is very active. According to the National Center for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, drinking large amounts of water or other beverages can result in frequent urination, which can often occur while he is sleeping. Urinary tract infections also can be a cause and more often affects girls, although boys can be affected as well. Disorders of the bladder and kidneys also can lead to frequent urination in children.

    More Serious Causes

    • One of the more prevalent causes of frequent urination in children that is more serious in nature is the onset of diabetes mellitus. This condition, most often referred to simply as diabetes, is a condition in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin, or does not properly respond to insulin. Consequently, glucose absorption by the kidneys is affected, resulting in more frequent urination. Diabetes is present in nearly 24 million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association.

    Diagnosis

    • Recurrent symptoms of frequent urination will require a medical examination by a doctor or pediatrician. This will include a physical exam and urinalysis to specify the possible causes of the condition. The urinalysis may indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection, especially if the urine is cloudy and there is pain associated with urination. Irregularities of insulin or glucose levels in the urine also will be detected and will be likely indications of diabetes mellitus.

    Treatment

    • According to Karyn W. Collins, M.D. and Anna P. Lincoln, M.D. in the less serious cases of frequent urination in children, no medical treatment will be required. More careful monitoring and regulation of liquid intake may be necessary and in many cases the child will outgrow the condition. Urinary tract infections will likely require courses of antibiotics until the infection goes away. In cases where frequent urination is a symptom of the onset of diabetes mellitus, a treatment program that includes insulin therapy may be necessary.

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