A bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection, occurs from bacteria buildup inside the urinary tract. Bacteria which live on skin and inside the gastrointestinal system can transfer to the urinary system and cause infection. Children can develop an infection from improper hygiene after a bowel movement, which allows bacteria into the urinary tract, or from using products like bubble bath, which irritate the urethra and allow bacteria inside.
Girls are more likely to suffer from a UTI than boys, according to Kidshealth.org. Symptoms of a UTI can become very uncomfortable and require prompt medical attention for treatment to keep infection from getting worse.
Painful Urination
The urethra is a small tube which passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and can become inflamed and tender during a UTI. A child may experience pain at the beginning of urination or at the end as the urine stream stops. A burning sensation at the end of urination is a common UTI symptom. A child may hold her urine in anticipation of the pain, or be unwilling to use the restroom.
Urinary urgency can accompany painful urination, as well, resulting in the persistent need to urinate, though only small amounts of urine may actually pass. A child may feel as if her bladder has not completely emptied, despite multiple trips to the restroom.
Fever
Children are susceptible to fever during a UTI, which indicates the body is fighting infection. A child may have either a low-grade or high fever, which can be accompanied by chills and shaking. Fever often accompanies additional bladder infection symptoms.
Discolored Urine
A UTI can cause changes to the urine appearance. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that urine can become cloudy and have a strong odor during a bladder infection. A child who is experiencing other symptoms of a UTI such as pain or urinary frequency may be less willing to drink fluids in an attempt to slow down the need to urinate. This can result in condensed, strong-smelling urine which can be dark yellow in color. Urine may appear cloudy regardless of how much fluid a child with a UTI has consumed. Blood may also be present in the urine or on toilet tissue after urination.
Low Back Pain
Bacteria which cause a bladder infection can travel into the kidneys, a condition called polynephritis. The kidneys can become irritated as a result and cause lower back pain or discomfort. A child may feel an ache or throbbing in his lower back which does not go away or get better with rest. Pain may also be present in the flanks, or sides of the abdomen between the pubic bone and hip bones.
