Urinary Tract Infection In Children
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it?
- A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, or urethra (u-REE-thrah). When the infection is only in the bladder, it is called cystitis (sis-TEYE-tis). When the infection gets into the kidneys it is called pyelonephritis (pi-e-loh-ne-FRI-tis). Urinary tract infections are more common in girls. Your child may get a UTI more than once. Some children with UTI's do not have symptoms. If a UTI is not treated for months or years, the infection could hurt the kidneys.
- The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that remove unwanted chemicals and waste from the blood. These wastes are turned into urine by the kidneys. The kidneys are attached to the bladder by little tubes called ureters (u-RE-ters). Urine travels down the ureters and into the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. When a person passes urine, the urine travels through the urethra (a small tube) and out of the body.
What causes a urinary tract infection? Germs called bacteria cause UTIs. These germs usually enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. The bacteria can then infect the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Girls can get UTI's from wiping her bottom from back to front. Wiping this way, especially after a BM, can spread germs to the urinary tract opening. Something blocking a tube in the urinary tract can also cause UTIs.
What are the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection? A UTI usually will cause your child to feel the need to go to the bathroom (urinate) often. Your child may also hurt and feel burning when urinating. He may pass little or no urine. Your child may also dribble or leak urine, or pass urine while sleeping. He may have smelly urine or urine that is pink or red (bloody urine). Your child may also have a fever or mid-back or side pain. Your child may also have an upset stomach or start vomiting (throwing up).
What can be done to treat a urinary tract infection? Your child's urine may be tested for bacteria. Your child should drink plenty of liquids to keep the urine a light yellow color. If the infection is bad, your child may be put in the hospital. Your child may need to take one or more of the following medicines:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks) kill germs called bacteria that cause infections. Give the antibiotics exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not stop giving them unless your caregiver tells you to. In some children, antibiotics may be given every day to help prevent infections from coming back.Fever medicine: Your caregiver may want you to give your child acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen). This medicine lowers a high body temperature (fever). It also decreases pain. Always follow your caregivers instructions for giving this medicine. Giving extra acetaminophen can hurt your child's liver.CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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