Prompt diagnosis of kidney infections in small children is important to prevent complications such as kidney scarring or the development of a blood stream infection. The symptoms of kidney infection in babies are nonspecific, meaning they do not point directly to the kidney as the source of the infection. As children reach the toddler stage, the symptoms of kidney infection become more specific to the urinary system.
Fever or Low Body Temperature
Fever is a characteristic symptom of kidney infection in young children. Especially among youngsters who are not yet talking, a fever lasting more than 48 hours may be the prominent feature of the illness. The fever associated with kidney infection is typically higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, an abnormally low body temperature may indicate infection in a newborn. A temperature persistently lower than 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit despite attempts to warm the baby may indicate a kidney or other serious infection.
Poor Feeding, Vomiting and Diarrhea
In an infant, poor feeding and failure to gain weight may indicate kidney or other serious infection. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be symptoms of kidney infection, especially if your child is less than age two.
Low Energy Level
If your baby or young child has a kidney infection, his energy level may be abnormally low. He may sleep more than usual and be less energetic and playful during waking hours.
Irritability
Unexplained irritability may be a presenting symptom of kidney infection in babies and young children. If your child is irritable and has other symptoms suggestive of kidney infection, call your doctor.
Abdominal or Flank Pain
Pain is a common symptom of kidney infection. The pain may be generalized to the abdomen, or more localized to the flank--the area between the hip and ribs.
Bloody or Cloudy Urine
Kidney infections can cause blood in the urine. If your child is still in diapers or using a potty chair, you may notice the urine looks pinkish. Alternatively, the urine in the potty chair may look cloudy due to the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. It is more difficult to detect changes in urine color and clarity once your child starts using a regular toilet. However, by this age, she is talking and likely to complain of symptoms such as pain or burning with urination.
Pain and Crying with Urination
The bacteria that cause kidney infections are likely to irritate the bladder. This often causes pain or burning with urination. You may notice your child cries when urinating. If he is talking, he may tell you it hurts when he urinates, or that he does not want to go because it hurts.
Frequency, Urgency and Wetting Accidents
Irritation of the urinary tract associated with kidney infection typically causes urinary frequency--needing to urinate more often than usual. The need to go is typically urgent. Young children are often unable to hold their urine when an urgent need to go strikes them. If your child is toilet trained, you may notice she is having wetting accidents during the day or bedwetting at night.
References
- Merck Manual: Infections in Infants and Children, Urinary Tract Infection, Signs and Symptoms
- American Urological Association: Urinary Tract Infections in Children
- Medline Plus: Urinary Tract Infection, Children
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
- American Family Physician: Urinary Tract Infection in Children
