Your toddler's urinary tract involves his kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. During a normal process, his kidneys make urine that travels to the bladder via the ureters. The bladder stores the urine until it is emptied by the urethra. It is possible for infections or other types of conditions to disturb this urinary process and cause problems for your toddler.
Urinary Tract Infection
Bacteria can get into your toddler's urinary tract and cause an infection, resulting in discomfort and if untreated, kidney damage or failure. According to Babycenter, 8 percent of girls and 2 percent of boys will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) during childhood. A toddler under the age of 2 is more likely to suffer serious damage as the result of a UTI. If you notice any symptoms such as unexplained fever, crying, odd-smelling urine, bloody urine, abdominal pain or back pain, take her to the doctor. Her doctor may perform a urine sample and prescribe an antibiotic to get rid of the infection. You can help prevent a UTI by making sure she gets plenty of fluids and is wiping from front to back after she goes to the bathroom. Be sure that when she goes to the bathroom, she empties her bladder completely.
Bed Wetting
Bed wetting is a common problem for toddlers. Toilet training typically begins around this time, and although he may stay dry during the day, it takes longer to achieve the nervous system and muscular development necessary to hold on to urine during the night. Your toddler will eventually outgrow this, so try to be patient and avoid scolding him for wetting the bed. He can wear special underpants just at night if necessary. Minimize drinks two hours before bedtime to see if that helps. If you are concerned about your toddler's bed wetting, talk to his doctor. He may prescribe a medication that can help.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a condition inherited from both parents that can lead to anemia. It causes red blood cells to have an abnormal shape due to an abnormal type of hemoglobin. In addition to frequent urination, symptoms include abdominal pain, delayed growth, fatigue and breathlessness. Your toddler's doctor can determine if she has sickle cell anemia by administering a blood test. If your toddler has sickle cell anemia, her pain will need to be controlled with medication. She may also be given an antibiotic until he is 5 years old that can help prevent further infection.
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Your toddler can experience other problems that can cause urinary problems, such as vesicoureteral reflux. This is a urinary tract condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys. Frequent UTIs are an indication of vesicoureteral reflux. If your toddler's doctor suspects this condition, it can be detected with an ultrasound. He might outgrow the condition or he might require medication or surgery.
Recommendations
If you are concerned about your toddler or if she shows any signs of a urinary problem, talk to your pediatrician. She may be tested or given an ultrasound to detect other possible conditions.
