Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Urinary tract infection (UTI), as the name suggests, is an infection that begins in the urinary tract consisting of kidneys, bladder and urethra. Kidneys remove the waste products from the blood, bladder stores them as urine and urethra is a tube that carries the urine from the bladder to outside the body. Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and bladder usually cause UTI. The bacteria can come from the skin around the genital area and anus. Some children may be prone to UTI, just as some are prone to colds or ear infections. If the urine flow is blocked, the urinary tract can be infected. Reason could be, kidney stones or by a narrow urethra or ureters. Girls are more likely to get UTI, because they have shorter urethras than boys. Here is a list of symptoms that indicate that the child may be suffering from a UTI:

Symptoms Of UTI In Kids

• The person suffers from a high fever, usually more than 101 degrees F.
• Sometimes, a low-grade fever, less than 100 degrees F are also a symptom of UTI.
• In the case of UTI, children suffer from irritability, nausea and vomiting sensation.
• One of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection is the loss of appetite.
• UTI makes child less active, lost in his own world and particularly a daydreamer.
• One experiences pain in the abdomen or pelvis, under the side of the rib cage and lower back
• Those suffering from urinary tract infection can complain of pain or burning sensation while urinating.
• Those suffering from urinary tract infection also have a problem of urinating more frequently than usual and wetting the underpants.
• Those who pass urine that comes with blood or a pink tinge to it should get themselves checked.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are given to treat urinary tract infections. The antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor.
• It is very important to finish the full course of antibiotics. If kidney abnormalities are found, further treatment may be needed.
• If a child is extremely ill, or is unable to keep down liquids or take antibiotics, then he/she should be hospitalized immediately.
• If the child doesn't find relief by oral antibiotics, he/she would need an intravenous antibiotic.
• Children should drink plenty of fluids during the day, especially water.
• Children should empty their bladders at least once in every 3 to 4 hours.
• Boys should be taught to wash the foreskin on his penis regularly.
• Both girls and boys should be taught to clean their genital parts every time after defecation.
• Cleanliness and personal hygiene should be maintained in order to avoid such infections.