Kids suffer from several infections in their initial years of life until their immunity get fully developed. Apart from Common Flu and fever, kids may also get infected from Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Urinary Tract Infection is not only painful to a child but may also lead to some other serious conditions if not been treated on time.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is considered to be common in kids and it happens when bacteria enter into the bladder through urine. Statistically, UTIs are more common in girls than boys however, it can happen to both if proper care and hygiene are not maintained.
A urinary tract is a body system which is responsible for the passing of urine. A urinary tract is consists of Kidneys, Ureter and Bladder. When these organs work together, urination becomes possible. In normal urine, no bacteria are found, however, bacteria may reach to the bladder via the urethra which causes infection.
CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
A typical cause of Urinary Tract Infection is due to the presence of multiple bacteria in the bladder. There are two types of urinary tract infection -
Bladder Infection - When bacteria infect the bladder after reaching through the urethra. This causes swelling and pain to the bladder. This is called cystitis.
Kidney Infection - This is rather serious than bladder infection because bacteria infect the kidneys while moving up from ureters. This condition is known as pyelonephritis. This condition may harm the kidneys of young children.
SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
If your child is old enough to speak clearly, he/she will complain of lower abdomen pain near the belly, as well as of lower back pain and frequent urination with burning sensation and pain. You may also see that your child, despite potty trained, is unable to control his/her pee and as a result wetting the bed. Along with these symptoms of UTI, vomiting, fever, dull and fussy behaviour can also be observed in a child suffering from urinary tract infection.
Other symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections, also includes,
Shaking chills at night while sleeping.
Nausea.
Vomiting
The changes colour of urine.
The unusual foul smell of urine.
Frequent urge to pee, but in a very less quantity.
Remember, UTI is not only painful to your child but also makes him/her very dull, fussy and weak. Hence, make sure to visit a paediatrician as soon as possible.
DIAGNOSIS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN KIDS
The only way to diagnose Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the urine test. To do this you have to collect your child's urine mid-stream sample into a container provided by the lab. While doing this, make sure your hands are properly clean and your baby's urine does not pass through any of your fingers. As it may lead to any wrong report.
Once the urine sample reaches the lab for testing, it is examined under the microscope. The severity of infection depends upon the numbers of bacteria and pus (White blood cells) present in urine. The urine routine test report can recollected same day. Apart from urine routine test, your doctor may also ask you to get urine culture test done. This test is done to identify the type of bacteria which are present in urine sample. According to this test results, the antibiotics are been prescribed by the doctor. As different type of bacteria needs different types of antibiotic medicine.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs) IN KIDS?
The best possible treatment available for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids is the Antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. Although it is said that drinking sufficient water in a day helps to treat UTI, still it does not cure the infection completely. Due to the presence of huge numbers of bacteria in the urinary bladder, it is vital to follow the antibiotics dose. Remember, do not stop giving antibiotics to your child before the dosage completion even if your child feels better.
Usually, it takes a week's time to get UTI cured. However, if you see no improvement in your child's health despite following the antibiotics course, visit your doctor again.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT UTIs IN FUTURE?
If your baby uses diapers, then change your baby's diaper often. Do not let it wear for prolonged hours.
If your child is potty trained, teach your child good bathroom habits. A proper hygiene is important. Additionally, teach them not to hold urine for long. If they feel to go, they can.
For girls, it is essential to wipe from front to back to avoid any contact with germs, which may come from the anus.
Drink lots of water in a day. This will ease out constipation and will keep flushing out the bacteria (if any) from the urinary tract.
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