It may be harder to spot in children because symptoms are less specific- Urinary tract infection in children

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One of commonest infections in kids is Urinary tract infections (UTIs). In infants and young children, UTIs may be harder to spot because symptoms are less specific. In fact, fever is sometimes the only sign. It is prevalent in girls, particularly those around the age of toilet teaching, because a girl’s urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Also, uncircumcised boys younger than 1 year also have a slightly higher risk of developing a UTI.

Causes

Bacterial infection of the urinary tract comprising of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 

Kidneys: An infection that occurs in the urethra and bladder called cystitis. If the infection travels up the ureters, it known as pyelonephritis and is usually more serious.

An abnormality in the structure or function of the urinary tract 

An abnormal backward flow (reflux) of urine from the bladder up the ureters and toward the kidneys known as Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

Poor toilet and hygiene habits

Family history of UTIs

UTIs are easy to treat, but it’s important to catch them early. Undiagnosed or untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage.

Signs and symptoms

Irritable look 

Poor feeding

Vomiting 

Recurrent fever

In adult;

Pain

Burning sensation when urinating

Frequent urination

Prevention

Frequent diaper change

Providing good hygiene talk to kids

Wipe from front to rear in young girls to prevent germs from spreading from the rectum to the urethra.

School-age girls should avoid bubble baths and strong soaps that might cause irritation, and they should 

Wear cotton underwear instead of nylon 

Drinking plenty of fluids

Avoid caffeine intake

Diagnosis

Urinalysis 

Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder

Voiding cystourethrogram 

Treatment

Use of antibiotics depending on the type of bacteria that is caused the infection and its severity your doctor may repeat the urine tests to confirm that the infection is gone. It’s important to make sure the infection is cleared because an incompletely treated UTI can recur or spread.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as soda and iced tea.

Kids with bladder infection can be treated with oral antibiotics, severe infection may need to be treated with antibiotics by injection or intravenously.

Seeking Medical Attention

Frequent urination

Bad-smelling, bloody, or discolored urine

Low back pain or belly pain below the belly button

Fever, feeds poorly, vomits repeatedly, or seems unusually irritable.