1. Symptoms of Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can vary depending on the age of the child, but may include:
โ pain, burning or stinging when urinating
โ frequent or urgent need to urinate
โ pain in the lower abdomen
โ blood in the urine
โ cloudy or smelly urine
โ feeling tired or generally unwell.
2. What to look out for with UTI in children
If you think your child may have a urinary tract infection, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Some of the key things to look out for include:
โ pain, burning or stinging when urinating
โ frequent or urgent need to urinate
โ pain in the lower abdomen
โ blood in the urine
โ cloudy or smelly urine
โ feeling tired or generally unwell.
3. How to prevent UTI in children
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your child from developing a urinary tract infection:
โ ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids (especially water)
โ encourage your child to go to the toilet regularly and empty their bladder fully
โ make sure your child wipes from front to back after going to the toilet
โ avoid giving your child bubble baths
โ make sure your child wears loose-fitting cotton underwear
โ avoid using harsh soaps or bubble baths when cleaning your childโs genital area.
4. UTI in children โ causes and risk factors
There are a number of things that can increase a childโs risk of developing a urinary tract infection, including:
โ not drinking enough fluids
โ not going to the toilet regularly and emptying their bladder fully
โ having a structural abnormality of the urinary tract
โ having a history of urinary tract infections
โ having diabetes
โ being male.
5. UTI in children โ diagnosis and treatment
If your child is suspected of having a urinary tract infection, the doctor will usually perform a physical examination and ask about the childโs symptoms. They may also request a urine sample so that it can be tested for bacteria. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, the child will usually be prescribed antibiotics.
6. UTI in children โ prevention tips
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your child from developing a urinary tract infection, including:
โ ensuring your child drinks plenty of fluids (especially water)
โ encouraging your child to go to the toilet regularly and empty their bladder fully
โ making sure your child wipes from front to back after going to the toilet
โ avoiding giving your child bubble baths
โ making sure your child wears loose-fitting cotton underwear
โ avoiding using harsh soaps or bubble baths when cleaning your childโs genital area.
7. UTI in children โ frequently asked questions
Q. How can I tell if my child has a urinary tract infection?
A. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can vary depending on the age of the child, but may include pain, burning or stinging when urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, pain in the lower abdomen, blood in the urine, cloudy or smelly urine, and feeling tired or generally unwell.
Q. What should I do if I think my child has a urinary tract infection?
A. If you think your child may have a urinary tract infection, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Q. What are the long-term effects of a urinary tract infection in children?
A. There is a risk of long-term effects if a urinary tract infection is not treated properly, including kidney damage and scarring of the urinary tract.
Q. What should I do if my child has a recurrent urinary tract infection?
A. If your child has a recurrent urinary tract infection, the doctor may recommend a number of measures to help prevent them from developing another infection, including drinking plenty of fluids, going to the toilet regularly and emptying their bladder fully, and avoiding bubble baths.
8. UTI in children โ when to call the doctor
If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should call the doctor immediately:
โ pain, burning or stinging when urinating
โ frequent or urgent need to urinate
โ pain in the lower abdomen
โ blood in the urine
โ cloudy or smelly urine
โ feeling tired or generally unwell.
9. UTI in children โ long-term effects
There is a risk of long-term effects if a urinary tract infection is not treated properly, including kidney damage and scarring of the urinary tract.
10. UTI in children โ support groups
If your child has a urinary tract infection, you may find it helpful to join a support group for parents of children with UTIs. This can provide you with information and advice from other parents who have been through the same experience.