Cystitis in Babies

Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder and may be called a lower urinary tract infection (UTI) when the urethra is also inflamed. It commonly occurs in babies as the result of a birth defect.

Causes

• Cystitis in babies is often caused by congenital defects of the urinary tract such as vesicoureteral reflux. This condition prevents the bladder from being completely emptied, which can allow bacteria into the bladder.

Frequency

• UTIs in babies less than a year old are four times more common in males than females. This is due to the higher rate of birth defects of the urinary tract in males.

Symptoms

• The most common symptom of cystitis in babies is bloody urine, frequent urination and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Carbonated beverages can also cause these symptoms by irritating the urinary tract.

Medical Care

• Babies should be examined by a health-care provider whenever they have painful urination or have bloody urine.

Tests

• Babies with chronic UTIs may need an ultrasound image of the bladder and kidneys to identify any abnormalities. The urinary bladder and urethra may also be examined by injecting a contrast dye and taking X-rays.