When urine stays in the bladder for a long time, disease-causing bacteria multiply there, protective cells break down and urinary tract infections occur. Although colds and other respiratory infections are common, children can also get urinary tract infections (UTIs ). Up to 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have a urinary tract infection by the age of 5.
Sometimes the symptoms of this infection can be difficult to recognize in children. It is important to get the child treated because this infection can develop into a more serious kidney infection. With the right treatment, a child with this infection will start to feel better within a few days.
Boys are more likely to geta urinary tract infection because they have a shorter urethra. Bacteria from the anus can enter the vagina and urethra more easily. A bladder infection is called cystitis. A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. In girls
Some children have a problem with their bladder or kidneys that makes them more likely to get a urinary tract infection. A narrowing of the urinary tract can block the flow of urine and allow germs to multiply. A condition called vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can cause urine to back up from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys.
What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection in children?
Urinary tract infection in preschool children manifests itself with symptoms such as constipation and eating problems. Preschool children cannot voice these complaints too much. Bacteria in children's feces enter the urinary tract and multiply. Symptoms of urinary tract infection are as follows;
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Bad odor of urine
- Constant need to urinate
- Fire
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
In older children, the symptoms are usually clear. The main symptoms are pain in the lower abdomen, back or sides and an urgent need to urinate more often. Some children who are already toilet trained lose control over their bladder and may wet the bed. Drops of blood may appear in the urine and/or the urine is pink.
In younger children, an examination may be needed to find out what is wrong. Babies may have more generalized symptoms such as crankiness, lack of interest in eating or fever.
How is urinary tract infection diagnosed in children?
If your child has symptoms of a urinary tract infection, they should be taken to a pediatrician. The doctor may request a urine sample from the child. A laboratory technician will then examine the sample under a microscope to see if there are any germs in the urine.
If your child has had this infection several times, the specialist may refer you to the Nephrology department and order some of these imaging tests to look for problems in the urinary tract.
How is urinary tract infection treated?
After diagnosis, the specialist may recommend some antibiotic medications. These recommended medicines should be used regularly. These medicines kill the bacteria. Children usually take the prescribed medication for 3 to 10 days (most commonly 7-10 days). After your child finishes the medicine, your doctor may do another urine test to see if the infection has cleared up.
Even if your child starts to feel better, it is important to make sure they take all their medicines. Stopping too soon can make germs resistant to antibiotics and cause another infection.
Most urinary tract infections clear up in about a week. Some children's symptoms last for several weeks. Check with your doctor if your child's symptoms do not improve or get worse 3 days after starting antibiotics.
How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection?
The baby needs to be changed frequently to prevent bacteria from growing. Explain to your child the importance of personal care and encourage bathing habits, Children should not use perfumed soap when bathing. They should also wear cotton underwear, not nylon, to improve airflow and prevent bacteria from growing.
Children should drink plenty of water, drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Extra water also prevents constipation, which allows bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.