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UTI Symptoms in Preschoolers

Although most urinary tract infections are treatable, it is important that you take your preschooler to the doctor once they begin to display symptoms. Untreated urinary tract infections can spread to the kidneys and cause serious damage to young children if there is no intervention.

  1. Burning

    • If your child reports that she feels a burning pain when urinating, it is time to make an appointment with the doctor. Whether this is a result of a UTI or other infection, it is important to investigate the cause of the pain.

    Fever

    • Fever may not always be present but is usually a sign that a urinary tract infection becoming more serious. If your child has a low-grade fever (about 100.2 to 101 degrees) accompanying any more systems, it is important to get her checked out. A fever present means that the body is fighting off infection, so it is always a good idea to make an appointment with the doctor.

    Frequency

    • If your child has to go to the bathroom more often than normal, it may be the sign of a urinary tract infection, especially if you notice that she isn't producing a regular amount of urine. Monitor her toilet trips and look for other signs of a urinary tract infection (such as pain or burning) if this has recently become increased.

    Wetting Themselves

    • If the child is wetting the bed or themselves (and this is not a regular occurrence), this can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. Ask your child about a burning pain when she goes to the bathroom if she has recently been wetting herself without a history of doing so.

    Pain

    • Pain in the genitals, back (around the kidneys) or around the bladder (in the abdomen) can be another symptom of this pain. Sometimes the back or bladder pain will be severe and other times it may be sensitive to the touch. If your child suddenly displays any of these symptoms without a prior injury, make an appointment with the doctor.

    Vomiting

    • Although less common, vomiting can become a symptom of a urinary tract infection when it has become much more serious. If your child begins vomiting and/or becomes dehydrated, a trip to the emergency room may be in order. This can mean the infection has spread to her kidneys and she may have to spend a night in the hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics.

    Prevention

    • Incorporate cranberry or blueberry juice into your child's diet, as this can keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder. Teach your daughter to wipe her urethra from front to back and teach both boys and girls to wipe their anus from the bottom to top to prevent the spread of feces. Avoid giving your child too many bubble baths. Children should also not be encouraged to hold their urine, instead release it right away when they have the urge. You should also keep your uncircumcised son's foreskin clean to prevent bacteria from building up underneath it.

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