Urinary Tract Infections: How to Tell If Your Child Has UTI
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- admin
- November 11, 2024
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common infection in children, and they can be quite difficult to diagnose. That is because the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in children can be pretty vague and can often resemble other conditions, such as the common cold or the flu, and children can start developing UTIs as early as 10 weeks in the uterus. It is more likely to occur in a girl child, but it can also occur in boys.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is a mainly bacteria-caused infection that occurs in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Urinary Tract Infections though primarily caused by bacteria, can also be caused by viruses or fungi.
Symptoms of UTIs in children
The symptoms of UTIs in children are very different compared to the symptoms that we can see in adults which include fever with chills, pain in the abdomen, etc but these symptoms might not be present in children, also the symptoms can vary depending on the age of the child and the severity of the infection. However, some common symptoms of UTIs in children include:
- Frequent urge urination
- Painful urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fussiness or irritability
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
How to tell if your child has a UTI
It is important to notice your child’s behavior, especially if they are still very young and have not been toilet trained, as they might not be able to express themselves properly if they are suffering from any of the symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above in your child, it is important to take them to see a doctor to rule out any possibility of a UTI. The doctor will likely ask you about your child’s symptoms and medical history. They may also order a urine test to confirm the diagnosis.
How to collect the urine sample of a child
It is often very difficult to collect urine samples from a child, as they might not be very willing or cooperative during the process. So, some tips you can implement to make the process easier and less time-consuming:
- Urine Bag in Toilet Area. If you are still toilet training your child,you can attach a collection bag to the toilet area to easily collect the child’s urine.
- Catheters. It is often recommended to catheterize the child if they are less than 1 year of age to collect their urine samples.
- Containers. If your child is toilet trained,you can give them a container (provided by the testing centre) and ask them to collect the urine in the container. You may accompany them during the process if you feel it is necessary.
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs in children are treated using antibiotics. The dosage and duration are dependent on the age and severity of the infection, and they will be prescribed by your doctor. Some further steps you can take are:
- Cranberry Juice. Many studies suggest that cranberry juice is a good addition to a child’s diet during UTIs.
- Paracetamol. If your child is having a fever during the infection, paracetamol can ease the fever. Confirm the dosage with their doctor..
- Complete Medicine Course. Many parents do not complete the prescribed medicine course, which is not recommended.
In conclusion, if your child has a UTI, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment. Be sure to give your child all of their medication prescribed by the doctor, even if they start to feel better sooner.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s UTI, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Verified by The First Parents
