What Are the Treatments for Reoccurring Urinary Tract Infections in Kids?

A urinary tract infection can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra. Urinary tract infections are generally easily treated, but if left untreated urinary tract infections can lead to kidney damage.

Significance

• According to Baby Center, about 8 percent of all girls and 2 percent of all boys will experience one or more urinary tract infections during their childhood.

Causes

• A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria from the genital area, rectal area or the bloodstream infects the urinary tract area.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include fatigue, chills, painful urination, bloody or cloudy urine, frequent urge to urinate, urination accidents, abdominal pain, back pain, vomiting and appetite loss.

Treatments

• Urinary tract infections are treated with prescription oral antibiotics. Urinary tract infections may reoccur, especially if a course of prescription medicine is not finished as directed. Reoccurring urinary tract infections generally require longer courses of medication. Some children with recurrent infections may be prescribed a daily dose of antibiotics to take as preventative for several months.

Prevention/Solution

• Children who are prone to frequent urinary infections should drink fluids regularly to avoid constipation and to keep the urinary tract flushed out. Drinking about 4 to 6 ounces of cranberry juice daily can help to prevent future urinary tract infections. Also, children should go the restroom at least every 3 hours to prevent urine from accumulating bacteria.