Has your child ever experienced a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections in children are common, more so in girls rather than boys. Sometimes urinary tract infection in children have the symptoms of can be so subtle that it goes unnoticed by the child and parents. Normal urine is free of germs (bacteria). However, bacteria can get into the urinary tract from two sources; the bloodstream or from the skin around the private area. The latter is usually the leading cause.
What could be the signs of a child having a urinary tract infection?
There are the signs for urinary tract infections in children.
Pain or burning sensation while passing urine
Difficulty in passing urine
Increase in frequency of urination
Urgent need to pass urine or bedwetting in a toilet-trained child
Foul-smelling urine
Cloudy or bloody urine
Fever with or without side/back pain
These signs are usually seen urinary tract infections in children but for the older children. In infants, the presence of irritability or poor growth should raise suspicion of a urinary tract infection.
How is to managed urinary tract infection in children ?
Once a urine test confirms urinary tract infection, prompt treatment with antibiotics is needed. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease and reduce the risk of kidney damage. Urinary tract infection in children who developed this infection early in life, an ultrasound to detect any urinary tract abnormalities is important.
It frustrates the child, worries the parents, and has the potential to cause permanent kidney damage. The occurrence of a first-time symptomatic UTI is highest in boys and girls during the first year of life and then significantly decreases. A urinary tract infection in children should not be taken lightly as repeated infections may lead to long term complications. Children who have had an episode of urinary tract infection may develop another in the future. Hence, parents should be aware of this possibility whenever a child falls ill.
Urinary Tract Infection in Children
If you need any consultation, you can also visit us at our clinic at Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. Our team consists of qualified and experienced child specialist, nurses and clinic assistants.