Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections in childhood, especially in very young babies, due to their urinary tract still being in development, which makes it easier for micro-organisms to enter. There is not always a visible sign that something is wrong.
That’s why we need to stay alert to how often the child needs to use the bathroom and if there is any discomfort while urinating. They usually present the following symptoms:
- Malaise
- High fever
- Lack of appetite
- Urine with a strong odor
Episodes of pee leaking into clothes after the child has already been potty trained for some time can also be a warning sign. Studies report that on average 8% of girls and 2% of boys up to eight years old experience a urinary tract infection at least once.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is diagnosed when micro-organisms are found in the urine or in any part of the urinary tract such as the kidneys, bladder, or urethra1. The tests requested are to evaluate and identify which micro-organisms are causing the infection, so the correct treatment can be given for each type of micro-organism. The diagnosis is made through a urine test (urine type I and a urine culture with sensitivity), which will be checked in the lab for the presence of unusual bacteria. The test results are quick, so that treatment can begin immediately.
What is the treatment for urinary tract infection in children?
The medication used to treat urinary tract infection is an oral antibiotic, but in more severe cases, hospitalization may be needed for intravenous medication. Usually, treatment lasts an average of 10 days, and even if the child improves in the first few days, the medication must be taken until the last day indicated2.
How do you get a urinary tract infection and how can you prevent it?
When they are babies, boys are more likely to get a urinary tract infection than girls due to the shape of their genitals3. Because boys are born with skin covering the tip of the penis, this makes cleaning difficult and may lead to urine residue being trapped, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and lead to infection. As boys get older and the skin retracts, or if they undergo the well-known circumcision surgery for phimosis, this problem greatly decreases.
Girls, on the other hand, who do not have as many cases when they are babies, are more affected by this problem as they get older (after potty training), because the female urethra is very close to the anus, which helps bacteria spread to the vagina and causes urinary tract infection. Some hygiene habits should be observed, such as changing diapers frequently, proper cleaning of the genital area and avoiding letting the child go long periods without urinating, since urine buildup in the bladder can allow bacteria to grow. Also remember that children should not sit on public toilets; if necessary, use disposable toilet seats, which can now be easily found at pharmacies at a low cost and can be carried in your bag.
See also: Pediatric Stomatitis – What is it and how to treat it?
Photo: Ivan de Paula
