Peeing Pain? Signs Of A Bladder Infection In Children

Infectious Diseases

Peeing Pain? Signs Of A Bladder Infection In Children

 

Urinary tract (bladder or kidney) infections (UTIs) are very common in kids. They are especially prevalent in young children who are still in diapers. This is especially true in children with constipation. These kids may be unable to fully empty their bladder, leading to infection.

What is a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections are infections anywhere along the urinary tract – the kidneys (pyelonephritis), ureters, bladder (cystitis) and urethra. Usually infections are in the bladder and kidneys.

Bacteria living in the stool that enters the urethra and ascends to the bladder cause most urinary tract infections.

The most prevalent bacteria is Escherichia coli (E. coli), though many other types of bacteria can lead to infection. Bacteria living in the stool that enters the urethra and ascends to the bladder cause most urinary tract infections.

Who is at increased risk?

Girls tend to get more UTIs than boys as they have shorter urethras and the urethra is more open to stool contamination than boys. Kids with genitourinary abnormalities are more at risk as well.

Many kids with UTIs can present with fever with no obvious cause.

What does a UTI look like?

Many kids with UTIs can present with fever with no obvious cause. For this reason your doctor may test your child for UTI if the absence of obvious UTI symptoms.

Signs of a bladder infection:

  • Pain on voiding (dysuria)
  • Incontinence
  • Abdominal pain or lower back pain
  • Constant urge to urinate, or increased frequency in voiding
  • Foul smelling urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Vomiting

A sample of the middle part of the urine stream (mid-stream urine) may be obtained from a toilet-trained child. Younger children who are not toilet trained may require a catheter sample.

How do we test for UTI?

A sample of the middle part of the urine stream (mid-stream urine) may be obtained from a toilet-trained child. Younger children who are not toilet trained may require a catheter sample. Some doctors collect samples via a bag that is stuck to the skin. This method is the most likely to contain contaminant bacteria from the skin and may not be accurate.

 

Urinary tract infection treatment

UTIs are treated with oral antibiotics. Very young infants or sick children may require intravenous therapy for a few days before switching to oral antibiotics.

Is special testing required?

Children with recurrent UTIs may benefit from ultrasound imaging to ensure the kidneys look normal and symmetric. A test called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) may be done to ensure there is no backward flow of urine (vesico-ureteric reflux) that can predispose to infections and kidney scarring. Your doctor will discuss the necessity of these tests with you.

How to prevent UTIs

  • Toilet trained kids should avoid holding their urine in. Urine that stays in the bladder can lead to bacterial growth
  • Ensure your child is not constipated. Read strategies to managing constipation.

Read more about how to treat a fever.

Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Written By: Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dina is a wife, mother of 4, and adrenaline junky. She loves to share children’s health information from her professional and personal experience. More About Dr Dina.

You might also enjoy

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in Kids

Urinary tract infections are prevalent in kids — especially if you have an infant in diapers or an older child that holds in their urine for more extended periods (like in the classroom or during extracurricular activities). This is especially true for a constipated toddler who is less able to communicate the issue.

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Is your kid not eating and drinking? What can be the possible reason? Perhaps your child has a sore throat, viral pharyngitis, or strep throat. Sore throat is medically known as “pharyngitis. This is the inflammation of the pharynx. Usually, we see viral pharyngitis or sore throat caused by viral infections. Other times we see pharyngitis as a result of a bacterial infection like strep throat.

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu in children – or viral gastroenteritis – can be unsettling and something that all parents dread. However, it generally just requires hydration to best combat the illness. If your child is not eating, it can be ok as long as they are drinking plenty of fluids.

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox