What is Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract. The different parts that might be affected are the urinary bladder, urethra, and kidneys. UTI is caused due to bacteria that are commonly present in the anal or vaginal region. UTI’s affect girls more than boys and are common around 3 years of age when they start toilet training. It is mainly caused due to poor hygiene, not urinating for long hours, bubble baths, wearing tight-fitting clothes and certain conditions characterized by abnormalities in the urinary system.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of a UTI include fever, foul-smelling, cloudy or bloody urine, pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, and abdominal or lower back pain.
Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infection in Children
The condition is diagnosed with a urinalysis or urine culture test (microscopic examination of a urine sample). X-ray or ultrasound scans may be recommended when symptoms do not resolve and when kidney damage is suspected.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection in Children
Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. You may be advised to give plenty of water to your child during the treatment. A repeat urine test may be performed after the course of antibiotics to confirm the elimination of infection, as incomplete treatment can cause recurrence or spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
