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Infant Bladder Infection

Bladder infections are so common that most of us will have at least one before we die. We are most susceptible to bladder infections as elderly adults and infants. Infant bladder infections can be hard to diagnose, but they are easily treated and prevented.

  1. Infants and Bladder Infections

    • Infants are prone to bladder infections partly because an infant's immune system is still developing and might have a hard time fighting off infections. They are also more at risk for developing bladder infections because infants are incontinent. Prolonged time in soiled diapers can expose an infant's urethra to bacteria from his own stool.

    Causes

    • Bladder infections almost always begin in the urethra, a small tube that removes urine from the bladder and release it from the body. Sometimes bacteria that might be present on the skin or in the stool are spread into the urethra. When those bacteria are not killed by the infant's natural immune system, they begin to grow and multiply. As they do this, they often travel up the urinary tract to the bladder and sometimes the kidneys.

    Symptoms

    • It can be hard to catch the symptoms of an infant bladder infection because your infant cannot tell you about his symptoms. Instead, you must be observant about changes in your infant's behavior. The first sign of an infant bladder infection is often general lethargy. You might notice that your infant is uninterested in food, or she might refuse it altogether. She might cry incessantly because she is in pain. When you change your infant's diaper, you might notice that the urine is darker or contains blood. There might be a fever without any signs of cold or flu.

    Treatment

    • Your pediatrician will diagnose your infant's bladder infection through a simple urine analysis. Because your baby is not old enough to pee in a cup, a catheter will be inserted into his urethra, and urine will be drawn directly from the bladder for testing. Although there are many home remedies for bladder infections, they are rarely used on infants. Your pediatrician probably will prescribe oral liquid antibiotics for your infant and advise you to make sure he gets lots of liquids.

    Prevention

    • Preventing infant bladder infections starts with keeping your baby's genitals clean and dry. Change your infant's diaper often and as soon as you notice it is soiled. Wash his genitals with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using soaps with fragrances or dyes. Also, keep your baby hydrated so that his urinary system has a chance to flush itself out frequently.

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