A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria makes its way into one or more components of the urinary system. This can include the ureters, bladder and kidneys. KidsHealth.org points out that UTIs of all types are common in children, affecting about 8 percent of girls and 1 to 2 percent of boys by the fifth year of life. Most UTIs infect the urethra and bladder, but when it spreads to the kidneys, the infection is considered to be more serious. Symptoms of a kidney infection are similar to an infection of other parts of the urinary tract, but they are often more severe.
Symptoms While Urinating
When any part of the urinary tract is infected, including the kidneys, a child may feel pain, burning or a stinging sensation while urinating, explains KidsHealth.org. A child may report an urge to urinate that is stronger than normal, despite the quantity of urine being small. AskDrSears.com points out that the urge may be painful and sudden. The child may have to urinate more frequently. Recently toilet trained children may struggle to stay dry during the day and night due to the increased urination, or she may wake frequently through the night to use the bathroom, says KidsHealth.org. Merck Medical Manuals points out that a child's urine may be cloudy, foul-smelling or dark when any part of the urinary tract is infected.
Fever
A fever is not always present with a UTI, but when the infection spreads to the kidneys, a fever is more likely. A child who has presented other UTI symptoms and suddenly develops a fever should receive medical attention, as the infection may have spread to the kidneys. The fever may be mild, or it may be high. Should the fever be extremely high or persistent, medical treatment is necessary. Emergency treatment is necessary when the fever does not respond to fever-reducing medications. KidsHealth.org points out that with the fever there may be shaking chills.
Pain
A normal UTI may not cause body aches and pains, but kidney infections are more likely to cause pain. Merck Medical Manuals explains that a kidney infection may cause pain in the abdomen, below the navel, or pain in the side or back.
General Illness
With a kidney infection, a child will likely feel ill. She is also likely to have severe fatigue, nausea and vomiting. The National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse suggests that a child may refuse to eat, become irritable or cry more often due to the discomfort associated with the illness.
