UTI in Children

What is an infection of the urinary tract?

Bacteria that infect the urinary tract—the organs and tubes in our body that produce, store, and transport urine—cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra comprise the urinary tract. Urine rarely contains bacteria. Nevertheless, the skin close to the anus is where they can enter the urinary tract. Girls are more likely than boys to get UTIs. By the time they are five years old, 1–2% of boys and 8% of girls have experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI). The length of the urethra is shorter in girls and it is located closer to the anus. The bladder and urethra, which comprise the lower portion of the urinary tract, are more susceptible to infections. More serious infections may develop when they travel up the ureters to the kidneys. Kidney failure could result from these infections if treatment is not received.

Symptoms and Signs

It can be easier to identify a UTI in older kids who are potty trained and able to communicate their symptoms. 

Older children may exhibit the following symptoms of a UTI: 

• pain, burning, or stinging when urinating ; 
• Having frequent urination or increased urges to urinate ; 
• Fevers, low back pain, or bladder pain in children who were dry before urinating with blood

There are other UTI symptoms in babies. Fever may be the most obvious symptom of a UTI in infants. UTIs can also cause fussiness, vomiting, and poor feeding in babies. The child or infant is more likely to experience fever with chills, back or side pain, or vomiting if the UTI develops into a kidney infection.

Diagnosis and Management

To check for a UTI, your child’s physician might request a urine sample. Urine may be asked to be passed into a sterile cup by older kids. In order to collect urine, babies and kids in diapers frequently require a catheter, which is a tiny tube. The catheter prevents skin bacteria from contaminating the sample. After that, the urine will be examined for bacteria. The best medication to treat the UTI—typically antibiotics—may be determined in part by the type of bacteria discovered.

Even if your child feels better, it is very beneficial for them to continue taking all of the antibiotics if they are taking them for a UTI. After one week of treatment, the majority of UTIs will be cured. Encourage your child to stay hydrated and monitor their symptoms. Your child may need to see their doctor again if their symptoms worsen or do not improve in three days. It could be wise to consult a pediatric urologist if your child has multiple UTIs. To find out more about your child’s urinary tract, they might recommend additional testing. Urine that flows backwards is a common issue that causes UTIs in kids. Vesicoureteral reflux is the term for when urine rises toward the kidneys from the bladder (VUR).

Prevention 

Regular diaper changes can help keep babies from getting UTIs.

Teaching older kids proper bathroom habits is very beneficial. After every bowel movement, girls should wipe from front to back rather than back to front. By doing this, germs are prevented from moving from the anus to the urethra. Additionally, when a child feels the urge to urinate, they should not “hold it” for too long. Bacteria may thrive in urine that is left in the bladder.