Urination allows the body to release waste and extra water, but when a child is urinating constantly, it is a sign that something is wrong, or at least somewhat unusual. KeepKidsHealthy.com says that frequent urination means there is some sort of abnormality in a child's urine, which can be the result of bacteria or something wrong with a child's blood or sugar.
Children's Urinary System
KidsHealth.org says that urine travels through the urinary tract before exiting the body. Two key elements are the kidneys and bladder, which are usually where a bacterial infection resides. Digestion allows the body to get proper nourishment but produces waste in the process. The kidneys filter waste from blood, and the bladder contains the urine in its sac. The bladder expands as it begins to fill. KidsHealth.org says nerve endings in the bladder wall send a message to the brain that the bladder needs emptying.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria invades the urinary tract.
KeepKidsHealthy.com stresses that urinating frequently indicates that a child might have an infection. The National Library of Medicine says a urine sample is needed to diagnose a UTI in children, so children will be asked to urinate into a cup. Patients are treated with antibiotics and typically make a full recovery. It might be difficult for a child to explain how she is feeling, but Dr. Larissa Hirsch says a child can share information with her parents by determining if it stings when she urinates and if she is going to the bathroom more than usual.
Less Urine Production
When children relieve themselves frequently but do not produce much urine, there is cause for concern. Two possible conditions are pollakiuria and voiding dysfunction. KeepKidsHealthy.org says pollakiuria typically affects children from 3 to 8 years old, and involves urinating 10 to 30 times a day with little urine output. No treatment is necessary as the condition usually resolves within a few months. Voiding dysfunction takes place when children do not take the time to empty their bladders. A child may empty his bladder just enough to relieve pressure, but not enough to empty all of the urine. Treatment isn't necessary. A child just needs to be reminded to take his time.
Diabetes in Children
Diabetes can lead to constant urination. Dr. Karyn Collins and Dr. Anna Lincoln say that diabetes mellitus involves urinating large amounts and more frequently than usual. The frequency of urination is less of a concern than the amount of urine a child produces. A physical exam and urinalysis can be done, and a doctor will check for other potential symptoms of diabetes. A blood test can check the sugar level if diabetes is suspected. Another ailment is diabetes insipidus, which prohibits the kidneys from conserving water. Collins and Lincoln say it causes increased urination and increased thirst, and may also cause bed wetting at night.
Minor Causes
Constant urination doesn't always indicate an infection or serious medical condition. Although it isn't always serious, frequent urination may still need to involve consultation with a medical professional. Children have small bladders, and will consequently have to urinate more. Too much fluid intake can lead to frequent urination, and drinking large amounts of water or other beverages before bedtime can lead to nightly bed wetting. Collins and Lincoln also cite constipation as a condition that can lead to constant urination. Large amounts of stool in the colon can irritate the bladder, and stool in the large intestine can press against the bladder and make it spasm.
Conclusion
Constant urination in children usually isn't serious, but it can be avoided. Infections can typically be avoided if girls wipe from front to back, and children of both genders go to the bathroom whenever they get the urge and don't get off the toilet until they've completely emptied their bladders. The National Library of Medicine says that avoiding bubble baths, wearing loose-fitting underpants and keeping the genital area clean can also help protect a child against infections and problems with frequent urination.
