UTI in Children

Urinary tract infections are common in children, affecting about 3 percent of children each year in the United States. It can be hard for parents to realize what the problem is in young children since they are often unable to describe what they are feeling. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can lead to other more serious problems.

Causes

• The urinary tract can become infected if bacteria gets into the region. Normal urine is bacteria free but if bacteria is introduced from the rectum or the skin around the genitals it can travel up the urethra and into the bladder. The bladder may become inflamed and swollen, causing pain and cramping. The leading cause in children is not cleaning their rectum well after a bowel movement, allowing bacteria to grow.

Symptoms

• Your child may have a urinary tract infection or she may have a common cold or flu. Distinguishing the symptoms may be difficult. A urinary tract infection is often accompanied with a fever and a constant need to urinate. Her diaper may have an odd odor. Some children feel nauseous and will vomit. Others show normal signs of a head cold with sinus congestion and throat irritation. Many children lose their appetite. Pain in the abdominal and pelvic region is common and there may be small amount of blood in the urine.

Diagnosis

• To properly diagnose the problem, a sample of urine must be collected. This may be difficult depending on the age of your child. If he is unable to urinate in a cup, a catheter may be used to collect a clean sample. In some cases a needle extracts urine directly from the bladder. The urine sample is examined for bacteria, pus and blood. If you are collecting the urine at home, refrigerate to maintain the integrity of the sample and take it to your doctor in a plastic bag kept on ice.

Treatment

• If your child is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection she will be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria. How much bacteria is found in the culture will determine how many days your child will be on antibiotics. If your child is unable to take the medicine, an injection may be given. It may take several days for your child to feel better but she needs to finish all antibiotics even if she feels better. Keep your child hydrated during the process and let your pediatrician know if your child is not thirsty or drinking.

Prevention

• Children who have a urinary tract infection will be more likely to develop another in the future. If you don't treat a urinary tract infection early enough, the bacteria may travel to the kidneys and cause infection. Teach your child good hygiene techniques. Your pediatrician may do follow-up tests to be sure your child has a healthy bladder and kidneys.