Live Life Team
Urinary Tract Infections or UTI is a condition when any part of the urinary system is infected. The urinary system consists of kidneys, ureter, urethra and bladder. The function of the kidney is to remove the waste product present in our blood. The urea present in our body is mixed with water and passed into the bladder as urine. The bladder stores the urine until it is full and then sends a signal to the brain indicating that it is ready to release. And then the urine is removed via the urethra. A urinary tract infection is developed when bacteria infected any part of the urinary system. Some women are found to have this infection after having an intercourse. Urinary tract infection is of two types:
Lower UTI – In lower UTI the lower portion of the urinary system, namely, the urethra and the bladder are infected. Cystitis is a condition when the bladder is infected and urethritis is a condition when the urethra is infected.
Upper UTI – In upper UTI the upper portion of the urinary system, namely, the ureters and the kidneys are infected. This condition is particularly serious as there is high risk of damage of the kidneys.
Very rarely children get urinary tract infection. Usually adults are more affected by UTI. Research shows that 4% of boys and 11% of girls, all under the age of 16, get the infection. It is also observed that the UTI is common in boys in their first 6 months. UTI can get serious and it is important that the child is given immediate medical attention as it may damage the kidneys and parts if the urinary system.
Symptoms
It is difficult to recognize a urinary infection in children specially those blow the age of three as it could be mistaken to be stomach infection, flu or an indication to chicken pox. The following are the symptoms of UTI and it is important that the child is taken to the doctor immediately:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Trouble feeding
- More frequent urination than the usual
- Experiencing pain while urinating
- Blood present in the urine
- Urine having very bad smell
- Abdominal pain
Cause
The bacteria that infects the urinary tract are usually found in the colon and it spreads infection once enters the bladder. It usually infects when the bacteria in the anus get in contact with the urethra. Once it reaches the urethra it moves up to the bladder and the kidneys. Young girls are prone to UTI than boys as their anus is very close to their urethra.
Diagnosis
Urine sample – children having UTI symptoms must be taken to a doctor to get their urine tested as it may show if the child is infected.
Ultrasound – the ultrasound scan will show the working of the child’s urinary system to detect any infection.
Treatment
Children below three months are referred to paediatrician. If the child is infected then an intravenous drip is given and the child will usually recover within 2 days.
Children above three months are usually given antibiotics to cure them.
