Urinary tract infections in infants and children-causes and treatment
Urinary tract infection is a serious condition affecting children and adults mainly in the female gender. This is due to the short distance of the opening between the urethra and the anus. This condition causes an infection in the kidney, urethra and bladder. Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria invades the body and travels in an upward direction to the urethra leading to the bladder. This causes an infection of the bladder resulting in pain of the lower abdominal area and swelling which is commonly referred to as cystitis. If the bacteria travel’s further up towards the kidneys, a kidney infection can occur. There are 3 types of urinary tract infections. These include the kidney (acute pylelone phritis), bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).
Symptoms of urinary tract infections in children include:
*The inflammation and irritation of the urethra and bladder
*Burning sensation and pain experienced during urination
*The persistent urge to urinate frequently
*The urine passed is often cloudy in appearance and is usually accompanied by a bad odour or blood
*Pain may be experienced in the lower abdominal area, side or back
*A mild fever may occur
*Your child may pass frequent small drops of urine
In serious cases of urinary tract infections the following symptoms may be experienced:
*A high fever may be experienced
*Persistent pain can be present in the back, waist or side areas
*Nausea, vomiting and shiver chills are also signs of a serious urinary tract infection
*In newborns the baby may experience a high fever or hypothermia. Jaundice and poor feeding are indication of urinary tract infection.
*Children often become irritable and they can suffer with loss of bowel movement which is often accompanied by loose or watery stools.
Common causes associated with urinary tract infection in children:
*UTI occurs when bacteria (E.coli) that lives in the bowel of the colon invades the urethra of the bladder resulting in an infection. The bacteria can enter due to poor hygiene as children have trouble wiping themselves after bowel movement.
*Young children are at a risk of developing kidney infection due to urinary tract infections. If the child has poor kidney growth, juvenile diabetes, spinal injury, aids or high blood pressure they are more susceptible to urinary tract infection
* UTI in children can also indicate an abnormality in the urinary tract such as a blockage
*Delayed trips to the bathroom or catheterisation (an insertion into the urethra to drain urine) can promote the occurrence of UTI.
Treatment for urinary tract infection for children:
*Seek medical help immediately where a qualified doctor can examine and diagnose your child. A urine test is often done to help diagnose the condition. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the condition.
*Ensure that your child consumes plenty of fluids especially cranberry juice.
*Use a hot water bottle to help relieve the pain in the abdominal, side and back areas
*Avoid the consumption of caffeinated beverages and spicy food as it can irritate the bladder.
*Encourage your child to take regular trips to the toilet
*Children especially girls should wipe from the front to the back to prevent the bacteria entering the urethra from the anus.
*Your child should avoid using perfumed products around the genital area