Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common infections in children, affecting the bladder and urinary tract. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney infections. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for pediatric UTIs to ensure your child’s comfort and prevent further complications. With convenient locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, our Atlanta pediatric team is here to help your child recover quickly and safely.
What Is a Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection?
A UTI occurs when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. While the infection typically affects the bladder, it can spread to the kidneys if not treated promptly. UTIs are more common in girls due to the shorter length of the urethra, but boys can also develop infections.
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Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Children
The symptoms of a UTI in children can vary depending on the age of the child and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms in older children include:
Frequent Urination
Your child may feel the need to urinate more often than usual, but only pass small amounts of urine.
Pain or Burning During Urination
Pain or discomfort when urinating is a classic sign of a UTI.
Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine
The urine may appear cloudy, have a foul smell, or even contain blood in some cases.
Lower Abdominal Pain
Your child may complain of pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Fever
A mild fever may accompany the infection. A high fever, back pain, or chills could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys.
For younger children, such as infants or toddlers, symptoms may be less obvious and can include:
Fever without an obvious cause
UTIs may present as unexplained fever in young children.
Fussiness or irritability
A child with a UTI may be more irritable than usual.
Vomiting or poor appetite
Young children may lose their appetite or vomit due to the infection.
Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
Changes in the appearance or smell of urine can be a sign of infection.
How Are Pediatric UTIs Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a UTI in children typically involves a physical examination and a urine sample to detect bacteria. The urine sample can be collected through different methods, depending on the child’s age:
Clean Catch Method
For older children, a clean catch urine sample involves collecting urine in a sterile container midstream.
Catheterization
For younger children or those unable to provide a clean catch sample, a small catheter may be inserted to collect urine directly from the bladder.
Urine Bag
In some cases, a urine collection bag may be attached to the child’s genital area to catch urine for testing, though this method is less accurate.
The urine sample is then analyzed for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and other signs of infection. In some cases, a urine culture may be done to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment for Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections
Once a UTI is diagnosed, treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. It’s important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and ensure your child completes the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
In addition to antibiotics, there are steps you can take at home to help relieve your child’s discomfort:
Hydration
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria fro
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate fever and discomfort. Always consult your pediatrician for the correct dosage based on your child’s age and weight.
Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to your child’s lower abdomen can help relieve pain or discomfort associated with the infection.
Preventing UTIs in Children
While not all UTIs can be prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce your child’s risk of developing an infection:
Encourage Regular Bathroom Breaks
Teach your child to go to the bathroom regularly and avoid holding in urine for extended periods.
Proper Hygiene
Teach your child to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
Stay Hydrated
Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Avoid Irritants
Limit bubble baths and harsh soaps, which can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect your child has a UTI, it’s important to seek medical care promptly to prevent the infection from worsening. Contact your pediatrician if your child:
- Has symptoms of a UTI, such as painful urination, frequent urination, or foul-smelling urine
- Develops a high fever, back pain, or vomiting, which could indicate a more serious kidney infection
- Shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or fewer wet diapers in young children
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our pediatricians are here to assess your child’s symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric UTIs
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UTIs are relatively common, especially in girls. It’s estimated that 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have had a UTI by the age of 5.
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Encourage proper bathroom hygiene, regular urination, and staying hydrated. For young girls, teach them to wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urethra.
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While most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, untreated infections can lead to more serious conditions, such as kidney infections or long-term kidney damage.
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Most children begin to feel better within 1-2 days of starting antibiotics, but it’s essential to complete the full course of medication to prevent the infection from returning.
Schedule an Appointment for UTI Treatment in Atlanta
If your child is experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine at (404) 446-4726 to schedule an appointment. Our pediatricians are dedicated to providing expert care at our convenient locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serving families across Atlanta.