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Toddler Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

If a toddler needs to urinate more frequently or complains about pain during urination, she may have a urinary tract infection. It's easy to overlook more subtle signs, especially in children who are not yet able to talk.

  1. Significance

    • Approximately 8 percent of girls and 2 percent of boys will have a urinary tract infection during their childhood. Symptoms of infection, especially in younger toddlers, can be very vague and might include irritability and nausea.

    Features

    • A toddler with a urinary tract infection might change her normal urinary patterns, cry when urinating, exhibit vaginal irritation or redness, or be reluctant to urinate.

    Identification

    • If you notice a reddish tint or dark color to your child's urine or if he complains about back pain, call the doctor immediately. These symptoms can signify blood in the urine and a possible kidney infection.

    Considerations

    • Urinary tract infections are present in about 5 percent of toddlers who have a fever but no other symptoms. If your child has a high unexplained fever, take her to the doctor so that a urinalysis can be performed.

    Permanent Kidney Damage

    • According to DrSpock.com, children under the age of 2 are most vulnerable to permanent kidney damage from untreated urinary tract infections.

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