What Are the Symptoms of UTIs in Children?
Symptoms of UTIs can vary by age. Infants and young children may present with
fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. Older children may experience frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and abdominal pain. In some cases, children might also have blood in their urine (hematuria).
How Are UTIs Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a
urine test. A
urinalysis can detect the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells. A
urine culture is sometimes necessary to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and to determine appropriate antibiotic treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing UTIs?
Several factors can increase the risk of UTIs in children, including
gender (girls are more prone than boys), urinary tract abnormalities, constipation, poor toilet hygiene, and a history of previous UTIs. Additionally, children who are not circumcised are at a higher risk, particularly in the first year of life.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Treatment typically involves
antibiotics to clear the infection. The choice of antibiotic may depend on the results of the urine culture. It's important for children to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. In some cases, hospitalization may be required if the child has a severe infection or is very young.
How Can UTIs Be Prevented?
Preventive measures include encouraging proper toilet hygiene, ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids, and treating any underlying conditions such as constipation promptly. It's also helpful to teach children to urinate regularly and completely empty their bladder each time. For uncircumcised boys, proper cleaning of the foreskin is important.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Parents should seek medical attention if their child exhibits symptoms of a UTI, especially if they have a fever, pain during urination, or changes in urine appearance. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
