Differential Diagnosis for Urinary Frequency in Children
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of urinary frequency in children, especially in girls. UTIs can cause irritation to the bladder and urethra, leading to frequent urination.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar levels can cause an increase in urine production, leading to frequent urination.
- Constipation: Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, causing urinary frequency.
- Overactive Bladder: A condition where the bladder muscle contracts too often, causing a frequent need to urinate.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening complication of diabetes that can cause frequent urination, among other symptoms.
- Kidney Stones: Although rare in children, kidney stones can cause severe pain and frequent urination.
- Neurogenic Bladder: A condition where the nerves that control the bladder are damaged, causing urinary frequency and incontinence.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare infection that can cause frequent urination, among other symptoms.
- Bladder Tumors: Rare in children, but can cause urinary frequency and other symptoms such as hematuria.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Tumor: Can cause neurogenic bladder, leading to urinary frequency and incontinence.