A urinary tract infection isn’t just something that happens to adults. Children can also develop UTIs, and are more likely to suffer kidney damage as a result, so see your pediatric doctor right away if you suspect a UTI. Signs include increased urgency to urinate with no output, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, decreased urine output, burning sensation when urinating, lower stomach or back pain, crying when urinating, or wetting the bed.
Infants and young children can’t tell us what hurts, so look for fever, loose stools, refusing to eat, increased irritability, and strong-smelling urine in diapers.
Diagnosing UTIs in Children
A simple urine sample can detect the presence of bacteria, examined under the microscope with results in minutes, determining the type of antibiotics prescribed.
Treating Childhood UTIs
Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious problems including kidney infections, abscesses, and sepsis. Your pediatrician can prescribe antibiotics, and your child should get plenty of fluids. It’s important that your child continues taking medication even after feeling better, and to call your pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve within three days or get worse.