Q:

How can I manage my need to take short bathroom breaks in a professional setting?

I have a very non-threatening chronic kidney condition. One of the recommended management techniques is to drink a lot of liquids - this keeps my kidneys from retaining more water than they need to. The obvious downside is that I need to visit the bathroom semi-frequently (maybe 4ish times a day, but each visit is short).
Even if I am working at my desk and not in a meeting, I'm concerned this may be viewed as unprofessional behavior. I certainly don't want to cause any trouble at my workplace, but this is something recommended as a management technique by my nephrologist. I doubt the viability of carrying around a certificate from my Doctor and displaying it to all my coworkers on my way to the bathroom.
Meetings do not generally pose an issue, as longer meetings are usually scheduled in advance and will have a bathroom break at some point.

A:

I'm concerned this may be viewed as unprofessional behavior.

Don't be. As long as it's only a short break of a few minutes, nobody cares in the stereotypical office environment. 
I know this answer is short, but there is really nothing more to say. You are overthinking this. 

A:

First off, 4 times a day is not excessive. That is not far off normal for most people.
Secondly, unless you are holding all day workshops, you have time between meetings to take a break. And even if you are in all day workshops, these must have regular coffee breaks, rest breaks etc (many countries mandate this in employment law)
Thirdly, if you have an urgent need to go somewhere it is almost always appropriate to excuse yourself - be polite, and explain you need to take 5 minutes. (Possible exceptions include: being in an interview, presenting on stage etc)
If you are in a call centre environment, your break times may be mandated, or at the least closely controlled and monitored, but as commented below, in that scenario you will have a representative to speak to about this.
Myself - I try to take a break every hour, just for a walk away from my desk. Sometimes I can't, but it is a healthy thing to build in as part of your daily routine - good for general fitness, keeping you alert, and helping avoid back problems and circulatory issues.

A:

The chance is that if you think that going to the bathroom 4 times a day is much, you drink too little water as it is today. For me, going to the bathroom 4 times a day or more is completely normal. So drinking more water in your case would probably be a good idea, having a kidney condition or not. If not otherwise to prevent getting kidney problems ;)

