Frequent urination

Last updated
Frequent urination
Other namesUrinary frequency, pollakiuria
Specialty Urology

Frequent urination, or urinary frequency (sometimes called pollakiuria), is the need to urinate more often than usual. Diuretics are medications that increase urinary frequency. Nocturia is the need of frequent urination at night. [1] The most common cause of this condition for women and children is a urinary tract infection. The most common cause of urinary frequency in older men is an enlarged prostate. [2]

Contents

Frequent urination is strongly associated with frequent incidents of urinary urgency, which is the sudden need to urinate. It is often, though not necessarily, associated with urinary incontinence and polyuria (large total volume of urine). However, in other cases, urinary frequency involves only normal volumes of urine overall. [3] [ citation needed ]

Definition

The normal number of times varies according to the age of the person. Among young children, urinating 8 to 14 times each day is typical. This decreases to 6–12 times per day for older children, and to 4–6 times per day among teenagers. [4]

Causes

The most common causes of frequent urination are:[ citation needed ]

Less common causes of frequent urination are:[ citation needed ]

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of the underlying cause requires a careful and thorough evaluation. [9]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause or condition. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstitial cystitis</span> Medical condition

Interstitial cystitis (IC), a type of bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic floor of unknown cause. It is the urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome of women. Symptoms include feeling the need to urinate right away, needing to urinate often, and pain with sex. IC/BPS is associated with depression and lower quality of life. Many of those affected also have irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urinary tract infection</span> Infection that affects part of the urinary tract

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract it is known as a bladder infection (cystitis) and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Symptoms from a lower urinary tract infection include pain with urination, frequent urination, and feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder. Symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and flank pain usually in addition to the symptoms of a lower UTI. Rarely the urine may appear bloody. In the very old and the very young, symptoms may be vague or non-specific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bladder</span> Organ in humans and vertebrates that collects and stores urine from the kidneys before disposal

The bladder is a hollow organ in humans and other vertebrates that stores urine from the kidneys before disposal by urination. In humans the bladder is a distensible organ that sits on the pelvic floor. Urine enters the bladder via the ureters and exits via the urethra. The typical adult human bladder will hold between 300 and 500 ml before the urge to empty occurs, but can hold considerably more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benign prostatic hyperplasia</span> Noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland. Symptoms may include frequent urination, trouble starting to urinate, weak stream, inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control. Complications can include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cystoscopy</span> Medical procedure; endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra

Cystoscopy is endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra. It is carried out with a cystoscope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urinary incontinence</span> Uncontrolled leakage of urine

Urinary incontinence (UI), also known as involuntary urination, is any uncontrolled leakage of urine. It is a common and distressing problem, which may have a large impact on quality of life. It has been identified as an important issue in geriatric health care. The term enuresis is often used to refer to urinary incontinence primarily in children, such as nocturnal enuresis. UI is an example of a stigmatized medical condition, which creates barriers to successful management and makes the problem worse. People may be too embarrassed to seek medical help, and attempt to self-manage the symptom in secrecy from others.

Dysuria refers to painful or uncomfortable urination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urinary retention</span> Inability to completely empty the bladder

Urinary retention is an inability to completely empty the bladder. Onset can be sudden or gradual. When of sudden onset, symptoms include an inability to urinate and lower abdominal pain. When of gradual onset, symptoms may include loss of bladder control, mild lower abdominal pain, and a weak urine stream. Those with long-term problems are at risk of urinary tract infections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pyelonephritis</span> Medical condition

Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the kidney, typically due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms most often include fever and flank tenderness. Other symptoms may include nausea, burning with urination, and frequent urination. Complications may include pus around the kidney, sepsis, or kidney failure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phenazopyridine</span> Urinary painkiller

Phenazopyridine is a medication which, when excreted by the kidneys into the urine, has a local analgesic effect on the urinary tract. It is often used to help with the pain, irritation, or urgency caused by urinary tract infections, surgery, or injury to the urinary tract. Phenazopyridine was discovered by Bernhard Joos, the founder of Cilag.

Nocturia is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as “the complaint that the individual has to wake at night one or more times for voiding .” The term is derived from Latin nox, night, and Greek [τα] ούρα, urine. Causes are varied and can be difficult to discern. Although not every patient needs treatment, most people seek treatment for severe nocturia, waking up to void more than 2–3 times per night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feline lower urinary tract disease</span> Any disorder affecting the bladder or urethra of cats

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a generic category term to describe any disorder affecting the bladder or urethra of cats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hemorrhagic cystitis</span> Medical condition

Hemorrhagic cystitis or haemorrhagic cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder defined by lower urinary tract symptoms that include dysuria, hematuria, and hemorrhage. The disease can occur as a complication of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and radiation therapy. In addition to hemorrhagic cystitis, temporary hematuria can also be seen in bladder infection or in children as a result of viral infection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstitial nephritis</span> Medical condition

Interstitial nephritis, also known as tubulointerstitial nephritis, is inflammation of the area of the kidney known as the renal interstitium, which consists of a collection of cells, extracellular matrix, and fluid surrounding the renal tubules. It is also known as intestinal nephritis because clinical picture is showing mesenteric lymphadenitis in such cases of acute pyelonephritis. More specifically in case of recurrent urinary tract infection secondary infection can spread to adjacent intestine. In addition to providing a scaffolding support for the tubular architecture, the interstitium has been shown to participate in the fluid and electrolyte exchange as well as endocrine functions of the kidney.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bacteriuria</span> Medical condition

Bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in urine. Bacteriuria accompanied by symptoms is a urinary tract infection while that without is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Diagnosis is by urinalysis or urine culture. Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium found. People without symptoms should generally not be tested for the condition. Differential diagnosis include contamination.

Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic conditions do not affect a person for that long and some are lifetime conditions. Kidney diseases are normally investigated and treated by nephrologists, while the specialty of urology deals with problems in the other organs. Gynecologists may deal with problems of incontinence in women.

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) or feline interstitial cystitis or cystitis in cats, is one of the most frequently observed forms of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Feline cystitis means "inflammation of the bladder in cats". The term idiopathic means unknown cause; however, certain behaviours have been known to aggravate the illness once it has been initiated. It can affect both males and females of any breed of cat. It is more commonly found in female cats; however, when males do exhibit cystitis, it is usually more dangerous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emphysematous cystitis</span> Medical condition

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare type of infection of the bladder wall by gas-forming bacteria or fungi. The most frequent offending organism is E. coli. Other gram negative bacteria, including Klebsiella and Proteus are also commonly isolated. Fungi, such as Candida, have also been reported as causative organisms. Citrobacter and Enterococci have also been found to cause emphysematous cystitis. Although it is a rare type of bladder infection, it is the most common type of all gas-forming bladder infections. The condition is characterized by the formation of air bubbles in and around the bladder wall. The gas found in the bladder consists of nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The disease most commonly affects elderly diabetic and immunocompromised patients. The first case was identified in a post-mortem examination in 1888.

A urethral diverticulum is a condition where the urethra or the periurethral glands push into the connective tissue layers (fascia) that surround it.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Frequent or urgent urination: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  2. 1 2 "Urinary Frequency - Genitourinary Disorders - Merck Manuals Professional Edition". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  3. "Frequent urination". Mayo Clinic. 12 July 2005. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  4. Gary Robert Fleisher, Stephen Ludwig, Fred M. Henretig. (2006) Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN   9780781750745. p. 663
  5. "What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?". www.cdc.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 9, 2016. Retrieved 2017-12-19.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  6. "Urinary Tract Infection, Community Antibiotic Use". www.cdc.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2017-10-04. Retrieved 2017-12-19.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  7. Bradley CS, Erickson BA, Messersmith EE, Pelletier-Cameron A, Lai HH, Kreder KJ, Yang CC, Merion RM, Bavendam TG, Kirkali Z (November 2017). "Evidence of the Impact of Diet, Fluid Intake, Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Systematic Review". J. Urol. 198 (5): 1010–1020. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2017.04.097. PMC   5654651 . PMID   28479236.
  8. "What are some common signs of pregnancy?". Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development . 12 July 2013. Archived from the original on 19 March 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  9. Gaschignard, N; Bouchot, O (15 June 1999). "[Micturation abnormalities. Pollakiuria, dysuria, vesicular retention, burning micturation, precipitant urination: diagnostic orientation]". La Revue du praticien. 49 (12): 1361–3. PMID   10488671.
  10. Kuffel, A; Kapitza, KP; Löwe, B; Eichelberg, E; Gumz, A (October 2014). "[Chronic pollakiuria: cystectomy or psychotherapy]". Der Urologe. Ausg. A. 53 (10): 1495–9. doi:10.1007/s00120-014-3618-x. PMID   25214314.