Know about urinary tract infections in children
and kids and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) in a child.
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.
