Urinary Tract infection in Children

A urinary tract infection in children causes irritation of the lining of the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. If the child is an infant or only a few years old, the signs of a urinary tract infection may not be clear, because the children at that age cannot tell us exactly how they feel.

The child's urine may have an bad smell. If the child has a high temperature and appears sick for more than a day without signs of a runny nose or other visible signs indicative of any other disease he or she should be checked for a bladder infection.

Only by consulting a health care provider we can find out whether the child has a urinary tract infection or not. The child's urine will be collected and examined for the kind or type of infection.

The method of collection depends on the child’s age. If the child does not know to use the toilet then the health care provider may place a plastic collection bag over the child's genital area.

The plastic bag will be sealed to the skin with an adhesive strip. If the child older then he or she may be asked to urinate into a container. The sample needs to come directly into the container without picking up bacteria from the skin or rectal area.

Urinary tract infections are treated with drugs called antibiotics. While a urine sample is under examination, the physician may begin treatment with a drug that kills the bacteria most likely to be causing the infection. Once culture results are out, the doctor may decide to switch the child to another antibiotic.

The way the antibiotic is given and the number of days that it must be taken depends on the type of infection and the severity of the infection. If the child is sick or not able to drink fluids, the antibiotic will be put directly into the bloodstream through a vein in the arm or hand.

If the child can eat and drink, the medicine may be given by mouth or by injection. The medicine is given for a minimum of 3 to 5 days or sometimes several weeks. The daily treatment dose depends on the specific drug prescribed.

The dosage may be single dose each day or up to four doses each day. in any case, the child must continue the medicine as long as the doctor recommends.

We should not stop medications as soon as the symptoms have subsided. infections may return, and germs can resist future treatment if the medicine is discontinued abruptly.