Extraordinary Urinary Frequency

Abstract

Frequency is the predominant disturbance of micturition and suggests inflammation, obstruction, or a foreign body in the urinary tract. Frequency occurs in two-thirds of all cases of infection of the urinary tract and is almost always present when intravesical obstruction or inflammation of the posterior urethra exists. Frequency may also result from inadequate training, nervousness, excitement, or mental defectiveness. —Meredith Campbell, 19371p8 Urinary frequency is a classic hallmark of genitouninary disease. Extraordinary urinary frequency sometimes develops in children without any other symptoms or signs. There is rarely a physical basis for this condition. The typical patient is a previously toilet-trained child with a sudden onset of distressing urgency and urinary frequency as often as every 5 minutes.