Does Your Child Have A Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections are not limited to adults. Young children can experience them. In many instances, a child can experience pain that causes extreme discomfort. If you suspect your child has an infection, here is what you need to know.  

Is It a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections are the result of bacteria infecting some part of the tract, such as the ureters or urethra. Although most infections are not cause for concern, when the infection spreads to the kidney, a more serious condition can occur. Pyelonephritis is a life threatening infection that can lead to high fever and groin pain. Therefore, it is important to treat the condition in a timely manner.  

In young children, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if they have an infection, but there are a couple of signs you can look for. In some children, the only indication that they have an infection is a high fever. Your child could also experience vomiting or trouble eating. He or she can seem irritable.  

If you suspect your child has a urinary tract infection and he or she has a high fever, seek emergency medical treatment at a facility like Van Wert County Hospital.

What Is the Treatment?

After collecting a sterile urine sample, the doctor can determine if your child truly has an infection. Depending on the age of your child, a catheter might be used to collect the sample.  

If your child does have a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are usually given. Depending on the severity of the illness, your child's doctor might require that he or she remain in hospital for monitoring and to prevent dehydration.  

Once the infection is gone, your child's doctor might order an ultrasound of your child's kidneys to check for urinary reflux. Urinary reflux pushes urine from the bladder and into the kidneys and can lead to an increased risk of infection.  

What Can You Do?

At home, it is important that you encourage your child to drink more water. Water helps to flush the bacteria from your child's system.  

To prevent future infections, teach your child about the importance of going to the bathroom when there is an urge to and avoid putting it off. Your child also need to wear cotton underwear. The cotton allows air to dry the genital area and lower the growth of bacteria.  

Consult with your child's doctor for other ways you can prevent a urinary tract infection in the future.