Understanding Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Urinary Tract Infection for Children Children with this condition may have symptoms such as fever, irritability, or abdominal pain during urination. The urine might have a foul smell, be red or cloudy, and there may be frequent, incomplete urination. Some children may also present with loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Upon physical examination, there might not be any clear abnormalities. A urine sample is collected for microscopic examination to count white blood cells and culture to identify the type of infection.
If abnormalities are found, treatment with antibiotics will be initiated. Furthermore, for every child under the age of 5 who has a urinary tract infection, additional examinations of the urinary system through ultrasound and others are recommended to detect any anatomical abnormalities in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This is because vesicoureteral reflux can cause recurrent infections, posing a long-term risk to the kidneys. Parents should take their child to see a doctor if they suspect a urinary tract infection to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics for the child.
Proper Treatment
Most problems are caused by bacterial infection, thereby requiring antibiotics to treat the urinary tract infection. The doctor will select the type and dosage of the medication, as well as the method of administration, based on the severity of the infection, which may involve injections or oral medication.
In cases with severe infections, where high fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain are present, injectable antibiotics and hospital admission are deemed more appropriate. However, for cases with milder symptoms where the patient can take medications, oral antibiotics may be chosen. Parents should ensure that the child drinks plenty of water and urinates frequently to help expel the infection from the body, administer fever-reducing medications, sponge baths, and supportive care as needed, such as eating small, frequent meals in cases experiencing nausea and vomiting. This group of children often has underlying anatomical abnormalities within the urinary system, which need to be investigated once the infection is resolved to prevent recurrent infections that can lead to chronic kidney damage and ultimately chronic kidney failure.
