According to Clinical Microbiology Reviews, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most commonly diagnosed bacterial infections in childhood. A UTI is an infection of the bladder and sometimes the kidneys, according to the University of Michigan (UMICH). It occurs when bacteria enter the urethra in boys or vulva in girls. Irritation of the urethra can also allow bacteria to grow. According to the UMICH, bubble bath and shampoos are common irritants in children. Diagnosing a UTI in a child can be challenging. In order to identify the organisms, a urine sample or culture must be obtained and studied under microscope. Treatment is important to prevent long-lasting damage to the urinary tract infection.
General Signs of Illness
An infection of the urinary tract can lead to fever, vomiting or stomachache. According to Clinical Microbiology Review, it is quite common for children to have a fever with no other symptoms and no other obvious reason for the fever. A visit to the doctor for an unexplained fever will likely result in a urine specimen being gathered to check for infection.
Urinary Problems
Along with general signs of illness, a child may have pain when urinating, an urgent need to eliminate, frequent urination, daytime and nighttime wetting, blood in the urine, dribbling or foul-smelling urine, according to the UMICH. These symptoms seem evident that something is wrong in the urinary tract. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, a child may report pain in the lower back. Clinical Microbiology Review also suggests there may be pain or tenderness at the site of the pubic bone, just above the genitalia.
Infant Symptoms
Besides a fever, other symptoms of a UTI in infants may be difficult to discern. According to Merck.com, infants with a UTI may suffer from poor feeding habits, diarrhea, vomiting, mild jaundice, lethargy, fever and hypothermia. These issues can lead to failure to thrive. Failure to thrive occurs when an infant is not meeting developmental requirements, like gaining weight, becoming more alert or improving motor skills.
