Urinary infection in children

About urinary infection (UTI):

Urinary tract infection occurs in children who frequently delay to go to bathroom.Regular urination and adequate fluid intake is important to prevent urinary tract infection.So children must be taught and encouraged to follow this.Intake of fluids keeps the urinary tract sterile by flushing away bacteria.Holding urine allows bacteria to grow and causes urinary infection.Children with long standing constipation can also have urinary infection.

Causes:

Normal urine is bacteria free.bacteria can however get in to the urinary tract via the skin around the genitals and return by travelling up the urethra in to the bladder.After this there is inflammation in the bladder and this causes swelling and pain in the lower abdomen.If the bacteria can travel up to the kidneys,then there is a kidney infection.After this there is severe pain and fever.If kidneys are involved the condition is quite serious.

Signs of urinary infection:

1.Burning sensation or pain when urinating.

2.Fever.

3.Vomiting

4.Diarrhoea.

5.Less active.

6.Stomack pain.

7.Back pain.

8.Wets the clothes even if the child is potty trained.

9.Urine can look cloudy or red.

10.Urine is foul smelling.

Treatment:

1.Antibiotics are given for urinary tract infections.The antibiotic are usually given orally or intravenously for 5 to 7 days.The antibiotic course must be completed.

2.Preventing urinary tract infection:

3.Encourage intake of lot of fluids.

4.Mustnot hold urine and must urinate regularly.

5.Avoid bubble baths in the bath tubs.

6.Wear cotton underwear.

7.Diapers or nappies must be changed immediately after soiling.

8.Cleaning for baby gals must be from front to back and not the vice versa.

9.Consumption of high fibre diet is recommended to combat constipation which in turn causes UTI.