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Urinary frequency is a common complaint of a parent of a 4 year old. "they are going to the bathroom every few minutes". My oldest child had this problem for a short period of time around 5 years of age.
When they present to the office, most parents are usually fearful of either a urinary tract infection or diabetes. Reality is that it is rarely a serious illness. The most common cause of this issue is CONSTIPATION. This is the root of many problems in children!!!!!!
If your child has this common complaint of frequency, pay attention to their bowel habits. Clues to the diagnosis of constipation are:
1) large ("did he really make that") and firm stools 2) clogged toilets 3) intermittent belly pain that lasts 30 minutes or so followed by no pain and a happy running child 4) poop stained underwear 5) pooping every 3 or more days
If you are still unsure and your child offers you no clues to the diagnosis, then a plain X-ray can ascertain the volume of stool in the abdomen. We then can tailor treatment based on the cause.
Treatments for constipation:
1) eliminate dairy products - very important 2) reduce refined flour and low fiber foods - very important 3) increase dietary fiber with beans, vegetables and fruits - very important 4) encourage post meal toilet trips to reestablish the gastrocolic reflex for normal bowel movements 5) miralax is a safe and useful laxative while a diet is perfected 6) if your child has holding behaviors, seek professional help
If your child is drinking all the time and urinating as frequently, a urinalysis is warranted to rule out more serious issues.
The bottom line is that urinary frequency is usually an issue of stool holding, poor diet and subsequent constipation induced bladder pressure.
Check out the funny constipation link!
Dr. M
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