From the Triage Desk

What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are bacterial infections that can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and/or urethra of both males and females.  When treated quickly, most lower tract infections (those involving the bladder and urethra) are relatively mild and clear up with a course of antibiotics.  However, infections left undiagnosed or untreated can cause damage to the kidneys and further complications. 

How Do Children Get UTIs?

In children, about 85% of UTIs are caused by E. Coli, a bacteria found in the digestive tract and stool.  This is particularly common in children who are managing their own bathroom hygiene for the first time (think newly potty-trained kids) who may not be wiping sufficiently yet.  In children in diapers, spending too much time in a soiled diaper, or wiping your child from back to front instead of front to back can introduce bacteria into the urethra as well.  Extensive antibiotic use, weakened immune systems, and congenital urinary tract abnormalities are some of the other causes of UTIs in children.  However, sometimes even with the best prevention measures, UTIs can still occur (with infants under 3 months of age at a higher risk).

Signs and Symptoms of a UTI

Common signs and symptoms of a UTI include: Pain with urination Urinary frequency Urinary accidents in a potty-trained child Foul smelling urine Dark or cloudy urine Blood in the urine Back pain Belly pain Fever Vomiting/Nausea Chills In infants: fever, irritability, and poor feeding can also be signs of a UTI

I Think My Child Has a UTI – What do I Do?

Give us a call.  We will have a triage nurse follow up with you to determine if the signs your child is exhibiting are consistent with a UTI and if so, we will book an appointment with a provider to have them seen. At the appointment we will obtain a urine sample from your child which we can test in our lab.  Based on the provider’s assessment and the results of the lab test, we may start your child on an antibiotic.  We will also culture the urine sample to check for sensitivities so that within a few days, we know exactly what antibiotics are best suited for the bacteria causing your child’s infection.  If we learn that there is a better antibiotic option than the one they are taking, we will call and switch the medication to best target the infection.

How Do I Help My Child Avoid UTIs?

There are a few things you can do to help your child avoid UTIs.  Encourage them to stay well-hydrated, especially in the heat.  Teach them how to wipe properly while in the bathroom.  Have them take frequent bathroom breaks (even if they know how to hold their urine for 10 hours, it’s best to void every few hours).  Encourage them to change out of bathing suits when they are done swimming.  Do not let a diapered child sit in a soiled diaper for too long and always clean them front to back.  Avoid overuse of antibiotics if possible – remember, antibiotics will ONLY clear up known bacterial infections, not viruses.  Many times, home remedies and rest will help a sick child feel better with time. And remember, if you have any questions, give us a call!

Stay well!

Sources:

UTI in Kids: What If Your Child Gets a UTI