The urinary system—which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—is responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the body. Although it usually functions without any issues, the urinary tract is easily prone to infection. This results in a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is normally fairly easy to diagnose and treat. However, UTIs can be more complicated and harder to diagnose in children. Here, we’ll go over some information regarding urinary tract infections and how to recognize and treat them in children.
Basic Information About Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children can be classified as either upper or lower depending on their location within the urinary tract. A lower UTI involves the bladder and urethra, while an upper UTI involves the kidneys and ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
Symptoms of UTIs in Children
The symptoms of urinary tract infections in children can vary depending on the child's age, gender, and the location of the infection within the urinary tract. The symptoms of a lower UTI are typically less severe than those of an upper UTI and do not usually cause fever or other systemic issues. They can include:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
- Bedwetting
- Urgency
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Cloudy urine
- Foul or strong-smelling urine
On the other hand, an upper UTI tends to be more serious and can lead to complications such as kidney damage, sepsis, and dehydration when untreated. These symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Back or abdominal pain
- Symptoms of a lower UTI
It should be noted that children, particularly younger ones, may not be able to express their symptoms clearly. Therefore, it's important for parents to look for signs of discomfort, changes in behavior, or other unusual symptoms. These may include signs of irritability, lethargy, or poor appetite. If you suspect that your child has a UTI, seek medical attention promptly.
Causes of UTIs in Children
Urinary tract infections are caused by the introduction of microorganisms into the urethra. Most commonly, UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. E. coli can enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. However, there are additional types of bacteria that may be responsible for UTIs. These may include Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus. Urinary tract infections in children can also be caused by a variety of other factors. Some of these include:
Constipation
Constipation can lead to UTIs as it makes it harder for the bladder to empty completely, which can allow bacteria to grow and cause an infection. If your child is struggling to use the bathroom, talk to your pediatrician about treatment options or stool softeners.
Abnormalities in the Urinary Tract
Congenital abnormalities in the urinary tract can also make certain children more susceptible to UTIs. Some abnormalities may include an abnormally narrow urethra or issues with the urinary tract that prevent adequate flow. Your child can usually undergo treatment to address these abnormalities once identified.
Urinary Tract Blockage
A blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone, can cause a UTI by preventing urine from flowing freely. Treating kidney stones in children is important, but if recurrent stones occur, talk to your doctor about preventative measures.
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition in which urine flows back from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys. This is caused by a malfunctioning “flap-valve,” which disrupts the normal flow of urine. VUR often leads to UTIs, but there are treatment options available.
When to See a Doctor
Oftentimes, UTIs in children go unnoticed as your child may be embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their symptoms. This can allow the infection to spread into the upper urinary tract, which can lead to more serious complications or a kidney infection. However, just because your child experiences a UTI does not mean that there are issues with their urinary system. As soon as you become aware of any issues, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. During this time, they’ll perform diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the UTI and provide you with further information on how to prevent recurrent episodes.
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Luckily, treating UTIs in children is easy and pain-free. With most medications, your child will begin feeling better in a day or so. The treatment of urinary tract infections in children typically involves a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. However, the specific type of antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on your child's age, the severity of the infection, and the type of bacteria causing the UTI.
In addition to antibiotics, it's important to try to encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract and ease any pain or discomfort caused by the inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be used, just make sure you clear it with your doctor first.
If your child is suffering from a more severe or complicated UTI, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. In some cases, further testing or imaging may be required to identify any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the UTI, such as a urinary tract abnormality. However, most often, urinary tract infections in children are just as easy to treat as UTIs in adults.
Can you Prevent UTIs in Children?
Seeing your child in any type of discomfort or pain can be difficult, so it’s understandable that you’d want to take preventative measures to avoid a repeat infection. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent UTIs in children. Some of the most beneficial options include:
Practicing Good Hygiene
Encouraging good hygiene practices, such as wiping front to back after using the bathroom is one of the best methods of prevention for young girls. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urinary tract. You should also teach both boys and girls to thoroughly wipe so that they don’t leave any bacteria behind.
Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Try to encourage your kids to use the bathroom regularly and take the time to ask them if they need to go throughout the day. Communicate with them that it’s not good to hold your urine for extended periods of time. This can help regularly flush out the urethra and reduce the risk of bacteria building up in the bladder.
Avoid Irritants
Avoid using bubble baths or harsh soaps, as these can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of infection. If you are going to give your child a bubble bath, try to find a soap that’s natural and made for children and limit the amount of time in the bathtub.
Prioritize Cotton Underwear
Cotton underwear can also help reduce the risk of bacteria growth as it’s a more breathable material than other fabrics. Some synthetic fabrics trap too much moisture, which increases the risk of infection over time. Similarly, if your children are swimming, help them change into a dry pair of clothes as soon as they’re done.
Cranberry Juice
Some studies suggest that drinking cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs in children, although the evidence is not conclusive. If your children like cranberry juice, it doesn’t hurt to include it in some meals. Just make sure it’s not loaded with added sugar.
Regular Check-ups
Regular visits to the pediatrician can help identify any underlying conditions that may increase the risk of UTIs and allow for prompt treatment if an infection occurs. If you notice that your child continues to get urinary tract infections, it’s worth undergoing a few diagnostic tests.
Urinary tract infections are never fun, especially when they’re affecting your children. Luckily, with early detection and the right treatment options, you can help minimize discomfort in your child. If you need additional management of urological issues, whether they’re pediatric or not, Byram Healthcare is here to help. We carry a wide selection of high-quality urologic products that can help you take back control of your life. To learn more, or to speak with a professional regarding questions or ongoing management, contact Byram Healthcare today.
Byram Healthcare is a member of the National Association for Continence’s Trusted Partners Program, whose mission is to provide quality continence care through education, collaboration and advocacy. We continue to build partnerships in the clinical community to ensure we focus on what’s best for the patient.
