Causes of Frequent Urination in Children

Question

What are the reasons for excessive urination in children?

Answer

When urine volume increases, the frequency of urination also tends to rise. Normally, this can occur after drinking large amounts of water, eating watermelons, or consuming beer, as the increased fluid intake is adjusted and filtered by the kidneys, leading to more urine and more frequent urination. In pathological conditions, such as in diabetes or diabetes insipidus patients, the increased fluid intake results in more urine and more frequent urination without discomfort. Additionally, when the bladder is inflamed, the sensitivity of the nerves decreases, and the urinary center remains excited, causing frequent urination with an increased urine volume (adults <300~500 milliliters per time). Therefore, frequent urination is an important symptom of cystitis, especially in acute cystitis and tuberculous cystitis. Other conditions like prostatitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, pediatric chronic balanopreputial inflammation, and vulvitis can also lead to frequent urination. Under the stimulation of inflammation, frequent urination, urgency, and pain may occur simultaneously, which is known as urinary tract irritation symptoms or “triple urination symptoms.” Moreover, urinary tract stones or foreign objects often present primarily with frequent urination as a symptom.