Urinary tract infection (UTI) is fairly common in children and often warrants careful treatment and follow up to prevent long-term complications. A UTI can be distressing for both parent and child. It is often difficult to make diagnoses in children as they are unable to adequately express their symptoms. Parents or caregivers must be able to appreciate subtle changes in behavior, especially in infants and toddlers.
Burning on Urination
This symptom is universal to all age groups and perhaps the most common. Older children will complain of pain or burning while urinating whereas infants and toddlers may cry or fuss. This sensation occurs because the infected urine irritates and inflames the urinary tract .
Increased Urinary Frequency
Caregivers will find that there is a greater frequency of diaper change in infants and toddlers who are not potty trained. They may also notice that older children go more frequently to the restroom to urinate. This phenomenon occurs because the infection causes an inflammation of the organs of urinary tract, specifically the bladder. An inflamed bladder empties more frequently
Fever
In some cases, the child may have a fever of varying degrees. This may even be the first sign that something is wrong. Usually when a fever is present, the child appears ill and is quite irritable. This reaction to a fever is most often seen in infants. Caregivers may feel that the child is warm to touch or older children may complain of feeling cold despite warm weather.
Foul-smelling Urine
With some bacterial infections, the urine may have an unusual, foul odor. There may also be a noticeable color change with the urine appearing cloudy. Less often, children may pass visible pus in severe infections. These symptoms occur as the body attempts to fight the infection.
Other Symptoms
Children may also display non-specific symptoms such as reduced activity, loss of appetite and dehydration. These symptoms often lead caregivers to take children to the doctor as the more specific symptoms of a UTI are not noticed. Urinary incontinence may be an accompanying symptom seen in previously potty-trained children.
References
- "Pediatric Clinics of N. America, Urinary Tract Infections, Old and New Concepts". Hellerstein, S. 1995
- "Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections".Hoberman, A. et al. 1999
