What is a UTI in kids?
A UTI is a urinary tract infection. The urinary tract gets rid of extra fluids and waste in your child’s body. Bacteria (germs) get into their urinary tract, most commonly through the skin around their rectum and genitals. It causes symptoms that include fever, irritability and painful urination. Adults can also develop urinary tract infections.
UTIs in kids sometimes go unnoticed because it may not be obvious when a child has an infection, especially if they’re too young to voice their symptoms. Urinary tract infections need treatment immediately to prevent the infection from spreading and damaging their kidneys.
What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI in kids?
Signs and symptoms of a UTI in babies, infants and toddlers may include:
Signs and symptoms of a UTI in older children may include:
- A frequent, urgent need to pee. Despite the urgency, only a small amount of urine comes out.
- Wetting during the day and/or at night (after being fully potty trained).
- Painful or difficult urination (dysuria).
- Discomfort above the pubic bone.
- Foul-smelling urine.
- Blood in their urine.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Fever and chills.
- Pain in their back or side (below their ribs).
- Fatigue.
Are symptoms the same for a UTI in boys and girls?
Yes, symptoms can be the same in both boys or children AMAB and girls or children AFAB. Children with female genitalia may be more at risk of developing a UTI because the urethra or the tube that exits the bladder in their body is shorter than that of boys and children AMAB.
Is a UTI in kids a sign of bladder or kidney problems?
Not necessarily. Most children who get UTIs don’t have other urinary tract problems.
How is a UTI in kids treated?
Antibiotics treat a UTI in kids. Common antibiotics include:
Your child’s healthcare provider may give them antibiotics that they take by mouth as directed or through a needle into your child’s veins (intravenously). Their provider may also prescribe medications for their fever and/or pain and recommend your child drink plenty of fluids.
Who treats UTI in kids?
Your child’s primary care physician (PCP) will likely be able to treat your child’s UTI. If there are any complications, a PCP may refer your child to a urologist or nephrologist, who are healthcare providers who specialize in the urinary tract.
Can I treat a UTI in a child at home?
Your child needs antibiotics to make their UTI go away, so they need to see a healthcare provider. Follow the directions on the label and make sure your child completes their antibiotic treatment entirely, even if they’re feeling better.
At home, you can make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. They may not want to eat regular meals if they have nausea. Try eating multiple small, bland meals throughout the day instead of three big meals. If your child isn’t able to eat and drink, contact their healthcare provider.
Does cranberry juice treat a UTI in kids?
There’s some scientific proof that cranberry juice can help resolve a UTI. However, the evidence shows that it primarily helps women or people AFAB with repeated UTIs, not children. Drinking fluids will help clear a UTI with antibiotics, so plenty of water or other beverages can be very helpful.
Are there side effects of the treatment?
Side effects of antibiotics may include:
- An allergic reaction.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach pain.
How soon after treatment will my child feel better?
After treatment for a UTI, your child may feel better in a day or two. The infection should be gone in about a week. Even if they feel better, they should continue taking their antibiotics as prescribed.
How is a UTI in kids diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will diagnose a UTI in your child after performing a physical exam and testing. During your child’s exam, their provider will take a detailed medical history and they may ask the following questions:
- What are your child’s symptoms?
- How long has your child had these symptoms?
- Does your child have a history of urinary tract complications?
- Is there a history of urinary tract conditions in the family?
- What medications is your child taking?
What tests diagnose a UTI in kids?
Tests to diagnose a UTI in kids include:
- Urine analysis or urine culture.
- Imaging tests of your child’s urinary tract.
- Blood tests to look for infection or changes to their kidney function.
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