Urinary Tract Infections in Children: A Guide for Parents

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. UTIs are common in children and can occur at any age, although they are more common in girls than boys.

What symptoms do you get?

Symptoms of a UTI in children may vary depending on the age and severity of the infection but often include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination.
• Frequent urination or urgency to urinate.
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Abdominal pain or back pain.
• Fever.
• Irritability, fussiness or vomiting in infants.
• Bedwetting or accidents in toilet-trained children.

It’s essential to pay attention to any changes in your child’s urinary habits or behaviour and seek medical advice if you suspect a UTI.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing a UTI in children usually involves a combination of a physical examination and testing the urine. Your child’s healthcare provider may ask about their symptoms, medical history, and any recent illnesses. In some cases, imaging scans may be done to assess the urinary tract for structural abnormalities or other underlying conditions.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for UTIs in children typically involves antibiotics to eradicate the infection and relieve symptoms. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the child’s age, the severity of the infection, and any underlying health conditions. It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your child’s symptoms improve before the medication is finished. In addition to antibiotics, your child may also be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria and relieve discomfort.

Remember, prompt diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in children are crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery. Some children will be referred to the RHCYP Urinary Tract Infection clinic for follow up and further scans after a urinary tract infection.

How can I prevent urinary tract infections?

There are some simple things you can do to prevent UTIs in infants and children at home.

• Make sure your child has a good fluid intake, spread evenly through the day.
• Make sure your child is not constipated -this is one of the commonest causes of UTI. If your child poos less often than every 2 days, or poos are hard, painful or large, discuss with your doctor to consider constipation and treatment for this.
• Encourage your child to pass urine regularly throughout the day, every few hours, or if in nappies, change nappies regularly.
• Make sure girls are wiping after passing urine or stool from ‘front to back’.
• Have regular baths or showers, using plain soap to wash, avoiding bubble baths.