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Mr O read that frequent urination is one of the symptoms of bladder infections in young girls. These are not uncommon in young children and may cause significant problems like kidney failure if left untreated.
We do not have enough information to exclude urinary tract infection as the cause of the young girl's urinary frequency, but usually, with urinary tract infections, pain on urination, burning, itch or foul smelling urine, are usually also present. Unexplained fevers may also suggest urinary tract infections.
Vital clues
The fact that the young girl does not follow an optimal diet is cause for concern. Children can easily become constipated as their toilet habits are not yet well established. A clear diet history is always important when dealing with young children.
Read: What is constipation?
Before doing any special investigations, clinical examination may provide some vital clues to making a proper diagnosis. In young children a full examination is required at all times. An examination should never jump straight to vaginal examination to exclude local causes. Systemic examination may highlight probable causes like constipation.
Doing sideroom urine testing is important. A urinary tract infection may show up on simple urine dipsticks, but it is important to send a urine sample to a laboratory for microscopy and culturing when faced with a possible urinary tract infection. If urine testing is clear, a plain abdominal X-ray may reveal faecal overloading, which will explain the urinary frequency with the colon pressing on the bladder. This is of particular importance in otherwise asymptomatic children.
Besides ensuring a proper diet, parents should be aware of the toilet habits of young children. Noticing when a child passes stool is important.
Another important cause of frequency and urinary tract infections that should always be considered is sexual abuse. This possibility should always be investigated – especially in children with recurrent urinary tract infections.
NOTE: Health24's on-site GP Dr Owen Wiese reveals new cases on Thursdays. The answer is posted with the story on Mondays, or you can get it in our Daily Tip – sign up here.
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