|  | Family Health | Babies Health

Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections in Babies

Urinary tract infections (also called bladder infections or cystitis) are so common that nearly everyone will experience at least one in their lifetime. UTIs occur when bacteria that is normally found on the skin or in the intestinal tract is spread into the urinary tract. Infants and babies are especially prone to them because they are incontinent, exposing their urethras to bacteria. There are several ways to treat urinary tract infection in babies. Before you can treat the condition, you must be able to recognize the symptoms.

  1. Symptoms

    • Common signs of a urinary tract infection are the inability to urinate or a burning sensation when you do urinate. But these are things that your baby cannot communicate to you. You have to be observant to catch the symptoms of a bladder infection in your baby. When you change your baby's diaper, look for anything unusual. Bloody or particular smelly urine can be your first sign of a urinary tract infection. Nausea or an unwillingness to eat is another sign. Constant crying can also be an indicator that your baby is experiencing the pain associated with a urinary tract infection.

    Prescription Medicine

    • Once your health care physician has diagnosed your baby with a urinary tract infection, he will most likely prescribe liquid antibiotics for at least seven to 10 days. If your baby's infection has worsened to the point that she cannot keep down the medicine or is severely dehydrated, hospitalization may be necessary. Your health care provider may prescribe up to three days of intravenous antibiotics that must be administered as an inpatient in a hospital.

    Over-the-Counter Medicine

    • Over-the-counter medicine for urinary tract infections in babies is not recommended, even in mild cases. Most over-the- counter UTI medications specify they are not for babies. Your baby's urinary system is still developing and damage can be easily be done to vital organs, like the kidneys. The only over-the-counter medicine that may be used would be a pain medicine to manage the burning and cramping your baby may be experiencing. But it should be done under the supervision and direction of your baby's health care provider.

    Cranberry Juice Treatment

    • If your baby is experiencing chronic urinary tract infections, your health care provider may suggest that you try alternatives to antibiotics. Cranberry juice is often used to help urinary tract infection heal quickly. Cranberries contain epicatechin, an antioxidant that prevents bacteria from attaching to the urinary system lining. Ironically, cranberries are also a better source of vitamin C than oranges due to the way humans digest food. Vitamin C can raise the pH level of urine, making it more acidic. Bacteria struggle to survive in acidic environments.

      Before beginning a cranberry juice regime, consult your baby's health care provider. Also, be sure to use unsweetened cranberry juice. Excess sugar in the blood can aggravate the urinary system, especially the kidneys.

    Prevention

    • The best urinary tract infection treatment is prevention. Start with good hygiene. Always wipe front to back when changing your baby. Keep his genitals clean and dry by changing his diaper frequently. You want to do anything you can to discourage bacteria from settling into his urethra. Keep your baby hydrated. Lots of fluids will help flush the bacteria out of his urinary tract and prevent infections from developing.

Babies Health - Related Articles