New wetting or increased urination in children with urinary symptoms

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New wetting or increased urination in children with urinary symptoms

Young children often have accidents and wet their clothes during the day or wet the bed at night. Daytime wetting (enuresis) in this age group is made worse because young children don't always pay attention to their bodies' signals. A child who wants to play or do something enjoyable will sometimes ignore the need to urinate until it is too late.

Enuresis is a medical condition that affects children who are older than the age at which most children have bladder control. Daytime enuresis occurs when a child has daytime accidents after having been toilet trained for more than 6 months.

Sudden, new daytime wetting after a child has been toilet trained may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to call your child's health professional if your child has this type of daytime wetting. An untreated UTI can cause scarring of the urinary tract. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.

An increase in urination or new day- or nighttime wetting may also be a sign of diabetes. Other symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss. These symptoms require evaluation by your child's health professional.

Credits

Last updated:	April 30, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer