Problem of irregular urination in toddlers

If your child goes to toilet only very few times (less than three times) in a day, or there is a decrease in output, he/she may have a medical condition or behavioral issues. A broad term used for abnormal urinating pattern is voiding dysfunction. A normal bladder stretches as it fills with urine. When the child urinates, the bladder contracts and the urine flows out smoothly without interruption. If there is a problem in filling and emptying of bladder, the child suffers from voiding dysfunction. While urinating, the body expels toxins and fluids from the body. It is a very important function of our body, so we should take the problem of infrequent urination seriously.

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Causes

There are several causes for infrequent urination in toddler. It can be due to urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or simply due to behavioral problems.

  • If the child is having too much fun, he may not like to take a break to go to toilet. Sometimes the child may be fearful of urinating due to past painful experience of urinary tract infection. Behavioral problems or poor toilet habits also result in infrequent urination. Some children may have fear of the toileting process, or other psychological or emotional stressors.
  • Various viruses, bacteria or fungus can cause urinary tract infection. An infection can begin in the lower part of urinary tract. Since urinary tract infection is painful, the child may avoid urinating. Long-term effects of urinary tract infection may affect bladder or kidney if left untreated.
  • A blockage in urinary tract may cause problem in urinating. There may be a cyst, stone or injury in the urinary tract, which may cause blockage, and significant pain as the urine builds up behind the blockage.
  • It is also possible that the child is dehydrated, and therefore there is diminished urination. The child may be too busy to take fluids, or may be suffering from illness, which caused dehydration. The child may also suffer from dry mouth and persistent thirst due to deficient amount of fluid in the body.

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Treatment

Treatment varies depending upon the cause. The primary doctor may refer the child to a pediatric, a nephrologist, or a psychologist. The doctor may perform tests to find the underlying problem.

  • Behavioral therapy techniques can be employed to help avoidance issues. The behavioral interventions will be individually tailored to suit the child’s problems. They help your child to manage these problems independently.
  • A short course of antibiotics is often sufficient for treating urinary tract infection.
  • In case of urinary blockage, surgery may be required. Alternatively, the doctor may prescribe some pain relieving medication to assist in passing of stone if any.
  • Dehydration can be cured by increased fluid intake. Rehydration drinks can be given to the child. If the problem is acute, the toddler may need hospitalization, and intravenous fluid will be given there.

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