How to Spot Series: Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Moms, of girls mostly, get so scared of any infection around their children’s reproductive organs especially urinary tract infections. Although it has nothing to do with the reproductive organs, moms still get scared -well, moms get scared of pretty much any infection. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children, as well as adults. According to WebMD, up to 8% of girls and 2% of boys will get a UTI by age 5.

What is a urinary tract infection?

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Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that could occur in any of the urinary tract parts (bladder, kidney, ureters, or urethra) that’s often caused by the entrance of bacteria from the child’s skin or stool into the child’s urinary tract.

How to spot UTI in children?

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Some of the following symptoms can occur to your children if they have UTI:

• Bedwetting and frequent wakeups to go to the bathroom
• Foul-smelling, cloudy, or bloody urine
• Frequent urination, even if there’s little urine production
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Generall irritation or fussiness
• Pain underneath the belly button

Treatment of UTI

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After confirming the infection, your child’s doctor will most probably prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. Children might take between 3-10 days to feel better. After finishing the medicine, a urine test should be done to make sure that the child is completely treated.

Prevention of UTI in children

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There are ways to prevent UTI infection in children which include:

• Make sure that girls wipe after using the toilet or diaper change from front to back not the other way around, not to transfer bacteria from stool to the vagina.
• Make sure to tell your child not to hold the urine.
• Children, especially girls, should wear cotton underwear.
• If your child is still wearing diapers, make sure to change it frequently.
• Teach children to practice good hygiene.
• Make sure your child is always hydrated.
• Avoid bubble baths for girls.