Urinary Infections In Children: How To Behave?
Urinary infections in children are quite common. They occur when certain bacteria reach the urinary bladder and kidneys. To treat the symptoms, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible.
In this article, we explain the causes of urinary infections in children and how to treat them.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (also known as UTI) are characterized by the presence or proliferation of microorganisms in the organs of urination, generally accompanied by specific symptoms. Asymptomatic infection is called asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Different types of urinary tract infections need to be distinguished depending on the area:
- Acute pyelonephritis (affecting renal parenchymal tissue)
- Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis)
The most common bacteria capable of developing urinary tract infections in children are Proteus , Klebsiella , bacteria from the Enterobacteriacea family , Streptococcus and Staphylococcus . Infants can develop infections with Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus which are the most common.
As we have already anticipated, urinary infections are frequent in childhood and, since they can be recurrent with the complications that follow, it is essential to consult the pediatrician to start treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
The symptoms also vary according to the age of the child. It is difficult to detect infection in infants or children under 6 years of age. However, common symptoms are the presence of fever (above 37 ° C) and pain when urinating.
Other symptoms are:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Temperature
- Pain in the bladder area
- Foul-smelling, cloudy or bloody urine
- Irritability and vomiting
- General malaise and chills
- Constant urge to urinate, even if you urinate very little each time
In the specific case of acute pyelonephritis, the symptoms are aggravated. In fact, high fever, tiredness, fatigue, difficulty in eating and vomiting occur.
On the other hand, there are some risk factors associated with the occurrence of urinary tract infections in children. Among the most common are:
- Problems with the urinary tract (obstruction of the urinary tract, for example)
- Renal malformations
- Vesicoureteral reflux, a disorder where urine travels up to the kidneys and ureter
- Poor or inadequate personal hygiene
How are urinary tract infections in children diagnosed?
Typically, the pediatrician visits the child and then prescribes urinalysis that allows you to understand what type of infection it is and, therefore, chooses the most appropriate treatment.
The collection of the urine sample depends on the age of the child. In older children, just ask them to urinate in a special container. A catheter is usually used with babies who still use diapers.
How are urinary infections in children treated?
Treatment of urinary tract infections involves the administration of antibiotic drugs. After treatment, your doctor is likely to request repeat urinalysis to confirm that the infection is gone and to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or recurring.
However, in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if the baby is less than six months old, if the infection has affected the kidneys or if the baby is dehydrated.
Recommendations to parents
- When the first symptoms arise, you must immediately take the child to the doctor so that he can trace the problem.
- After the diagnosis of urinary infection, it is important to follow the instructions of the specialist and administer the antibiotic to the child according to the doses, times and methods indicated.
- It is also advisable to pay attention to how often the child goes to the bathroom and ask him if he feels pain or discomfort while urinating.
- It is important to make sure that the child drinks a lot and stays hydrated. Better to opt for water and avoid carbonated drinks, tea or infusions.
- As for prevention, especially in the case of babies who wear diapers, it is necessary to change them frequently to maintain proper hygiene of the urinary tract.
- Children who go to the bathroom alone must be taught proper personal hygiene rules and habits. For example, they must learn to clean themselves from the front to the anal area, not vice versa, to prevent bacteria from the anus from reaching the urinary tract.
- Finally, it is preferable to wear cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics that hinder perspiration.
In general, urinary tract infections are not a serious problem and can be successfully treated with the use of antibiotics. In any case, in case of doubt, it is advisable to always consult your doctor or pediatrician, as well as teaching children the rules of proper intimate hygiene.
