Pediatric & UTI Treatment

Nearly 3 percent of all children in the United States are affected with Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) and pediatricians treat about one million each year. Girls are at a greater risk, making up 8 percent in comparison to 3 percent in boys. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can lead to serious kidney infections or even death in young children.

Causes

• Bacteria in the urine may result in UTI's.

  Normal urine does not contain bacteria. Bacteria around the genitals or rectum enters the urinary tract system by traveling up into the bladder and cause infections. The bladder becomes inflamed and painful. Cystitis is the medical term for a urinary tract infection. When the bacteria travel upward through the ureters to the kidneys, the kidneys become infected. Kidney infections are more serious than a urinary tract infection. Some children may have abnormal urinary tract, which make them more prone to infections. Pediatricians usually desire additional testing for children who experience repeated urinary tract infections. Children who delay urinating are at risk for UTIs. Regular urination helps flush out bacteria and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections.

Symptoms

• Older children are able to describe their symptoms.

  Children with urinary tract infections have symptoms, which include blood in the urine, the urge to urinate yet produce little urine, chills, fevers, abdomen or pelvic pain, nausea, and cloudy urine or dark urine that has a strong, offensive odor. Older children may be able to verbalize their symptoms. In younger children, you may notice a change in the urine left in diapers or underwear.

Diagnosis

• Cultures help identify the type of bacteria present in the urine.

  The only way a urinary tract infection can be diagnosed is by a urine sample and urine culture. A collection bag may be placed over the genitals, to collect a urine sample for younger children. Older children can provide a sample by simply urinating into a specimen cup. In some cases, the nurse or nurse assistant inserts a catheter into the bladder and drains the urine into a clean container. The urine sample will verify if bacteria in the urine. To treat the bacteria, the physician may order a urine culture. The purpose of the culture is to allow the bacteria to grow so that the physician can determine what type of bacteria it is.

Treatment

• Children with UTIs receive antibiotic treatments.

  Upon identifying the bacteria, the physician can prescribe an appropriate medication management. Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria infections. The physician may start antibiotics once it is confirmed that a bacteria is in the urine. If necessary, the physician may change the prescription when he determines the type of bacteria. The dosage and type antibiotics depend on the symptoms of the child. If the child is too weak to eat or drink, the antibiotic may be given intravenously. For stronger children, the medication management may consist of a 3-5 day course oral antibiotics. The child will need to drink plenty of liquids during the course of his treatment.

Antibiotics

• There are several medications effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections in children. The antibiotic treatment course for children include Augmentin, Trimox, Amoxil, Bactrim, Septra, Macrodantin Furadantin, Macrobid and Suprax. The antibiotics are so effective; the child should feel better within 48 hours. In some case, mild side effects are experienced such as nausea, hives, itching, rashes, stomach ache, diarrhea or vomiting. Severe side effects may include skin rashes, chest pains, fevers, vomiting or lethargy.

Prevention

• Flushing the bladder decreases risk of urinary tract infections in children.

  Wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon will prevent bacteria. Children should drink plenty of liquids to flush the kidneys and urinary tract. They should avoid strong soaps and bubble baths, and practice proper hygiene, wiping after voiding or urinating, from front to back. Children should also empty their bladder regularly. Drinking cranberry juice and eating yogurt with live culture help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.