Does My Child Have a UTI?
Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are pretty common in children. These infections occur when bacteria in their urine causes inflammation in the urinary tract. This can result in them experiencing various symptoms and disruptions in their bathroom habits.
How Can You Tell if Your Child Has a UTI?
The symptoms of a UTI can vary from the very mild to the extreme. It’s quite difficult sometimes to determine all the symptoms your child is experiencing due to their limited vocabularies.
Some of the symptoms you may notice if your child has a UTI are:
- Fussiness
- Fever
- Blood in their urine or diaper
- Urine that is smelly
- Frequent urination
- Bedwetting
- Not eating well
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or burning when your child urinates
How is a UTI Diagnosed in a Child?
UTI symptoms are very similar to those of other conditions and infections. If your child is experiencing any of the listed symptoms above, contact your pediatrician.
To help diagnose your child, the pediatrician may need to collect a urine sample. The sample can be used for two different tests which can determine if your child has a UTI. The first is a urinalysis which measures various levels that can indicate an infection and delivers results within a few minutes while you are in the office. The other is a urine culture that measures and identifies specific bacteria but may take up to 3 days to deliver results.
How is a UTI Treated in a Child?
A child who has a UTI is commonly treated using antibiotics. Be sure to follow the instructions for the prescription and give your child the exact dosage at the exact times prescribed. It’s so important that they finish the full prescription of antibiotics to ensure their infection doesn’t return. If treated promptly and properly, your child should feel better in a few days.
If your child has repeated infections, there could be other underlying conditions that your pediatrician will try to identify. Physical abnormalities, blockages, urine reflux, improper hygiene, and other behaviors like “holding it” can all contribute to repeated UTIs.
The Right Care for Your Happy, Healthy Child
Conway Medical Center’s pediatricians all agree that it is very important to not delay in seeking treatment for your child’s UTI. Untreated infections can cause kidney damage and can lead to more dangerous infections such as sepsis. Let one of our expert pediatricians at CMC Pediatrics step in and help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms your little one is experiencing before they can lead to more serious health issues.
To set an appointment with a pediatrician at one of our many pediatric offices, call 843-347-8000.
