Paediatrics Urinary Tract Infections

Description

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of fever in infants and young children.

Risk factors 

• Urinary tract infections occur more often in girls, especially when they start toilet training.
• Uncircumcised boys have a slightly higher risk of getting UTIs if the foreskin does not easily retract.
• Structural deformity or blockage of one of the urinary tract organs.
• Abnormal functioning of the urinary tract.
• Vesicoureteral reflux of urine 

Symptoms

• Pain, stinging or burning sensation while urinating.
• Urinary frequency
• Urine accidents (occurring after child has potty trained).
• Cloudy and smelly urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back.

Investigating and treating a urinary tract infection

• Urinalysis to check for signs of an infection and the send the sample to the lab for further microscopy and culture.  
• An ultrasound of the urinary tract is usually performed, followed by a voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG) if any abnormalities are found.

Treatment Options

• Urinary tract infections are normally treated with antibiotics.
• The underlying condition causing the infections will need to be investigated and treated appropriately to prevent future infections.