Urinary tract infections are an inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria.
Often harmless, UTIs still need to proper management in order to prevent them from becoming serious.
We had a chat with pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd to find out more about urinary tract infections in children and what parents can do to help their little ones.
Question 1: What is a urinary tract infection (UTI), and what parts of the urinary system does it affect?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a short-term infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Question 2: Are UTIs common in children?
UTIs are common in kids, with approximately 8% of females and 2% of boys experiencing one by the age of seven.
They occur more frequently in females than in boys, particularly during the period of infancy and toilet training.
Question 3: What are the main types of UTIs, and how do they differ?
There are two types of UTIs: upper and lower.
While lower UTIs are more common, children who suffer from upper UTIs tend to experience more severe symptoms.
Upper UTI involves infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or ureters. Ureters are the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.
A lower UTI means an infection of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra. The urethra is the tube where urine leaves the body.
Question 4: What causes UTIs in children?
UTIs are caused by the entry of bacteria (germs) into a child’s bladder or kidneys, causing infection and inflammation.
Bacteria from the digestive tract, particularly E. coli bacteria, cause most infections.
Other reasons for UTIs include:
- Holding the urge to pee
- Poor toilet and hygiene habits
- Family history of UTIs
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), an abnormality in which urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys
- Bladder obstructions that make it easier for bacteria to accumulate and cause infections
- Constipation
Question 5: Are certain groups of children more prone to developing UTIs?
UTIs are less common in children younger than 5 years old.
Girls are far more likely to get UTIs because their urethras are shorter and located closer to the anus, which is where faeces exit the body.
Uncircumcised boys under one year old are also somewhat more likely to get a UTI.
Question 6: What are the symptoms of UTIs in children of different age groups?
Common symptoms of UTI in children include:
- Pain, burning or stinging sensation when peeing
- Frequent urination
- Loss of control over urination (incontinence)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
- Foul-smelling urine that may look cloudy or contain blood
- Deliberately holding in their pee
- Wetting problems, even though the child is potty trained
Infants below two months may show the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Failure to thrive
- Poor feeding
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Question 7: Are UTIs in children dangerous?
Most UTIs are neither serious nor contagious, and if necessary, antibiotics can be used to treat them.
However, it’s crucial for parents to seek medical assistance to ensure their children catch UTIs early.
Undiagnosed or untreated UTIs may lead to serious complications, including kidney damage.
Question 8: How is a UTI treated in a child?
Typically, doctors prescribe antibiotics to be administered at home for treatment, unless the child:
- is younger than 3 months
- has a risk for developing a serious illness
The choice of antibiotic treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health.
Children often receive the following antibiotics to treat UTIs:
- Amoxicillin / clavulanate
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
- Cefixime
- Cephalexin
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for your child to take orally or intravenously (by inserting a needle into your child’s veins).
Additionally, your child may receive medications like liquid paracetamol to help with their pain and/or fever.
Question 9: How long do children typically need to be on antibiotics for a UTI?
Children’s antibiotic treatments for UTIs typically last 4 to 7 days.
Symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting the treatment, and the infection should go away in a week.
The child must take their antibiotic as prescribed and finish the course of therapy even after they feel better to avoid recurrent infection.
Question 10: How can parents help reduce the risk of UTI recurrence in their children?
Parents can help their children stay away from UTIs by:
- Changing diapers regularly.
- Encourage girls to wipe their bottoms from front to back.
- Encouraging their children to go to the toilet regularly.
- Promoting good hygiene.
- Ensuring their children are well hydrated.
- Avoiding beverages that may irritate the bladder, such as soda and caffeinated drinks.
- Avoiding nylon and other synthetic underwear.
- Avoiding scented soaps or bubble baths.
- Consulting a doctor for any concerns for abnormalities in their child’s urinary system.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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