About urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra. Then the bacteria get into urine and grow in the bladder.
UTIs are common in children, especially among girls.
UTIs are more likely in children whose urinary tracts have structural problems.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children and teenagers
Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children and teenagers include:
- pain or stinging when urinating
- an urge to urinate more often than usual
- urinating only a little bit, but often
- wetting accidents
- difficulty getting urine to start flowing
- pink, red or brown urine, or blood in urine.
Your child might also have:
- a fever
- stomach pain
- back pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- a feeling of being generally unwell.
UTIs in babies and toddlers are different from UTIs in older children. In babies and toddlers, symptoms of urinary tract infection include fever, irritability and poor feeding.
Medical help: when to get it for children with UTI symptoms
You should take your child to your GP as soon as possible if they have any urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms.
Tests for urinary tract infections (UTIs)
GPs need to test your child’s urine to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI). Your GP will explain how to collect urine cleanly. Younger children will need your help to do this.
If your child has had a lot of UTIs or the UTIs have been unusual in some way, your GP will probably recommend an ultrasound to look at your child’s urinary tract, including their kidneys and bladder.
The GP might also refer your child to a paediatrician, urologist or renal physician.
Treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Your child will probably need to take a course of antibiotics.
Your GP might also give your child a medicine to reduce the stinging when your child urinates.
If your child needs to take antibiotics, they must take the entire course of antibiotics, even if they seem better after a few days. Infection might come back 1-2 weeks later if the bacteria aren’t completely gone from your child’s system. Incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Here are things your child can do at home to avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs). If your child is younger, you’ll need to help or supervise them with these steps:
- Always drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Urinate regularly, including before every meal or snack and before bed.
- Use a toilet step to support their feet until they reach the floor. This can be especially good for girls. The foot support helps them to relax their pelvic floor and stomach muscles so they can empty their bladders completely.
- Avoid straining or trying to ‘push’ urine out. Straining or pushing might lead to problems like not emptying the bladder properly, feeling pain when urinating, and pushing urine back up to the kidneys.
- Wipe their bottom from front to back. This is especially important for girls, because it can help to prevent the spread of bacteria forward from the anus.
- See a GP if they have constipation – this is a risk factor for UTIs.