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What Is Pollakiuria? 
Pollakiuria (pol-ah-KEER-ee-ah) is a sudden increase in how often your child needs to urinate during the day.
It is also called:
Frequency-Urgency Syndrome
Extraordinary Daytime Urinary Frequency
Benign Idiopathic Urinary Frequency
Your child's body is healthy — the bladder just sends a "full" signal before it is actually full.
This condition is harmless and almost always goes away on its own.
Who gets it?
The frequency of pollakiuria is not well known.
It is more common in children between 3 and 5 years old.
It can also affect teenagers.
It affects both boys and girls equally.
It may come and go in cycles for 1 to 2 years.
How is it diagnosed? 
Based on your child’s symptoms
Usually no specific tests are needed.
A urine test may be done to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other causes of frequent urination.
What are the symptoms?
Your child suddenly starts urinating every 5 to 30 minutes, sometimes up to 30 to 40 times a day.
It only happens during the day, not during sleep.
Only small amounts of urine come out each time.
There is no pain or burning when urinating.
Your child does not have accidents during the day.
Your child is not drinking more than usual.
There are no changes in bowel habits.
What causes it? 
There is no single known cause.
Healthcare professionals call it "benign idiopathic urinary frequency," which means it is harmless and the exact cause is not clear.
In some cases, stress or worry can trigger it. Common triggers include:
Starting a new school or grade
Worry about having an accident in front of friends
A sick family member
Changes in routine
Concern about staying dry at night
Sometimes no trigger is found at all.
How is it treated?
There is no medicine needed. The best treatment is reassurance and patience.
Reassure your child 
Tell your child that their body, kidneys, and bladder are all healthy.
Let them know they can slowly learn to wait longer between bathroom trips.
Promise them they will get back to their normal routine.
If they have an accident, let them know it can happen to anyone. Do not shame or punish them.
Reduce stress
Make sure your child has free time and fun time every day.
Talk about anything that may be worrying them.
Ask teachers and school staff to allow bathroom use without limits or questions.
Work to keep things calm and positive at home.
Ignore the symptom
Do not comment on how often your child is using the bathroom.
Stop all family members from talking about the problem when your child is nearby.
If your child brings it up, calmly reassure them that it will get better.
Do not punish, criticize, or tease your child. This is not something they are doing on purpose.
Negative attention will make it worse.
How long will it last?
If a stressor is found and addressed, the frequent urination often goes away in 1 to 2 weeks.
Without a clear trigger, it usually gets better on its own within 6 weeks to 6 months.
Some children may have repeat episodes over 1 to 2 years, but the condition remains harmless.
When to call your child's CPCMG healthcare provider:
Your child has pain or burning with urination.
Your child starts having daytime wetting accidents.
Your child is drinking much more fluid than normal.
Your child develops a fever.
Your child’s bowel movements are changing.
Your child’s symptoms are getting worse or happening during sleep.
You have other questions or concerns.
📚 References
This content was adapted from HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website , St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Nemours KidsHealth. Images from HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website , St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Nemours KidsHealth.
Reviewed by AR DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.