(UTI in Childhood)
Definition
Definition
The urinary tract carries urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body. It includes the kidneys, bladder, and tubes that connect them. The tubes from the kidney to bladder are called ureters. The tube from the bladder to the outside of the body is called the urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any of these structures.
The Urinary TractCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
UTIs are caused by bacteria. The bacteria may enter the bladder or the kidneys.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your child’s chance of a urinary tract infection include:
-
Abnormalities of the urinary tract, including:
- Vesicoureteral reflux—urine flows backwards from the bladder up into the kidneys
- Urinary obstruction—something is blocking or slowing the flow of urine
- Holding urine for long periods of time
- Not fully emptying the bladder
- Poor hygiene and toilet habits
- Clothing that is too tight, especially if it is not cotton
- Family history of UTIs
- Uncircumcised penis
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Feeling the need to urinate frequently
- Only producing a small amount of urine
- Burning or painful urination
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Stomachache
- Foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Potty-trained children wetting themselves
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may also ask for a urine sample. Follow the doctor’s directions on collecting your child’s urine.
Your child’s bodily fluids may need to be tested. This can be done with:
- Urinalysis—a laboratory examination of a urine sample
- Urine culture —to identify the specific bacteria that is involved
- Complete blood count and other blood tests if your child has a fever
Imaging tests may be ordered if your child is a boy with a UTI or a girl after her second UTI. These infections may be associated with problems in the urinary tract. The test may include ultrasound or specialized scans and x-rays.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics will help fight the bacteria that is causing the infection. Your child will most likely be given antibiotic pills or liquid to take by mouth. Finish the medication even if your child is feeling better.
Some severe infections may need to have antibiotics delivered by IV or an injection.
Fluids
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. This will help to flush the bacteria out of the system. It will also decrease the concentration of the urine. This may make it more comfortable to urinate.
Pain and Fever Relief
UTIs can be uncomfortable and may cause fever. Your child’s doctor may advise over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
Follow the instructions on the package.
Note—Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with the doctor before giving your child aspirin.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your child’s chances of a urinary tract infection:
- Talk to your child’s doctor if your child has an abnormality of the urinary system. Your child may need surgery.
- Make sure that girls learn to wipe from front to back.
- Encourage your child to go to the bathroom often—at least several times a day.
- Retract the foreskin of the penis on a regular basis. This will help to keep the area clean.
- If your child has UTIs often, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. This may help to prevent a new infection.
RESOURCES:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
Urinary tract infection. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Urinary_Tract_Infections
Accessed May 15, 2013.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated February 12, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2013.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center website. Available at:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/u/uti-prevention
Updated January 2010. Accessed May 15, 2013.
12/5/2007 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD003237.
11/6/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Craig JC, Simpson JM, et al. Antibiotic prophylaxis and recurrent urinary tract infection in children. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(18):1748-1759.
Last Updated: 5/5/2014