The smell of freshly popped popcorn filled the air as I made my way into the cozy cinema. It had been months since I’d taken some time off for myself, and today, I was treating myself to a matinee. The theatre was dimly lit, with just a few people scattered across the rows, each cradling their snacks.
As I settled into my seat, I couldn’t help but glance at a mother two rows ahead. Her young son, perhaps around four or five, was squirming in his seat, his legs swinging nervously. She leaned in and whispered something to him, but he shook his head, clearly uncomfortable. It wasn’t the usual restless energy you see in children at the movies—it was different, more hesitant.
Just then, the mother stood up, holding the boy’s hand, and began walking toward the exit. The boy winced slightly as he moved, a fleeting expression of discomfort crossing his face. My instinct as a doctor kicked in. I couldn’t help but notice, throughout the movie time they seem to go towards the washroom side several times.
After the movie, I saw them near the concession stand, the boy clinging to his mother’s side. I decided to approach her gently. “Hi,” I said with a warm smile. “I couldn’t help but notice your little one seemed a bit uncomfortable earlier. I’m Dr. Priya. Is everything okay?”
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
The mother, whose name was Elena, sighed with relief at my kind approach. “I think he might have a urinary infection,” she admitted. “Lately, he’s been saying it hurts when he pees, and he keeps running to the bathroom, but nothing much comes out.”
I nodded. “That does sound like a urinary tract infection, or UTI,” I explained. “It’s an infection caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, which includes the bladder and kidneys. It’s fairly common in children, especially under the age of five.”
She looked concerned. “Is it serious?”
“It can be,” I said, “but if treated promptly, most UTIs resolve without complications. Let me walk you through what you need to know.”
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI in Children?
“UTIs can be tricky to diagnose in kids,” I explained. “The symptoms aren’t always clear, especially in younger children.”
For toddlers and babies, I listed these signs:
- Unexplained fever
- Irritability or fussiness
- Poor feeding or vomiting
- Wetting their diapers more often than usual
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
For older children, like Elena’s son, the symptoms are more specific:
- Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria)
- Frequent trips to the bathroom, often passing only small amounts of urine
- A sense of urgency: feeling like they can’t hold it in
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Accidents or bedwetting, even if the child was previously dry
She nodded. “That’s exactly what’s been happening,” she said. “And he’s been complaining that it hurts.”
What Are the Risks of a UTI?
“UTIs are common, but they can lead to complications if not treated,” I explained. “The biggest concern is when the infection travels from the bladder to the kidneys, which is called pyelonephritis. This can cause kidney damage if left untreated.”
I also mentioned vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR), a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the kidneys. “It’s rare,” I assured her, “but if your child gets frequent UTIs, it’s something we might need to investigate.”
How is a UTI Diagnosed?
“To confirm a UTI, we’ll need a urine sample,” I said. “It’s the best way to identify the bacteria causing the infection and to choose the right antibiotic.”
Elena looked worried. “How do you even get a urine sample from a child?”
I explained the methods:
- Clean catch: For older kids, you can catch urine midstream in a sterile container after cleaning the area thoroughly.
- Catheterization: For younger children or those unable to provide a clean sample, a small catheter is inserted to collect urine directly from the bladder.
- Needle aspiration: For infants, urine may be drawn from the bladder with a needle—quick and safe but only used when necessary.
“The sample is then tested in the lab to confirm the infection and find out which antibiotics will work best,” I said.
How is a UTI Treated?
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, I explained, the treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics. “It’s crucial to complete the full course,” I emphasized, “even if your child starts feeling better after a few doses.”
I also shared some supportive care tips:
- Encourage fluids: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the bacteria.
- Frequent bathroom visits: Make sure your child empties their bladder completely each time.
“If the bacteria are resistant to the first antibiotic,” I added, “the doctor may switch to another based on the lab results.”
What Further Tests Might Be Needed?
“If this is his first UTI,” I said, “we might not need further tests. But if he gets recurring infections, additional investigations could help identify any underlying issues.”
These could include:
- Ultrasound: To check for structural abnormalities in the kidneys or bladder.
- Micturating cystogram (MCU): An X-ray to look for urine refluxing into the kidneys.
- DMSA scan: To assess kidney function and detect any scarring.
“These tests aren’t routine,” I added, “but they’re helpful for kids with frequent or severe infections.”
Preventing UTIs in Children
Elena asked, “How can I make sure this doesn’t happen again?”
I offered these prevention tips:
- Teach him to wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Encourage him to drink water throughout the day.
- Make sure he doesn’t hold in his urine for too long.
- Avoid bubble baths, which can irritate the urinary tract.
- Dress him in loose, breathable cotton underwear.
“These small steps can make a big difference,” I said.
Key Takeaways for Parents
As Elena prepared to take her son to the doctor, I summarized the key points:
- UTIs are common in children and treatable with antibiotics.
- Symptoms like pain during urination, frequent trips to the bathroom, and smelly urine should prompt a visit to the doctor.
- Collecting a urine sample is essential for diagnosis.
- With prompt treatment, most kids recover fully and avoid complications.
“Thank you so much, Dr. Priya,” Elena said. “I feel so much more prepared now.”
As I watched them leave, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing I’d helped ease a mother’s worries. Parenting can be tough, but having the right information makes all the difference.
FAQs About UTIs in Children
1. What causes UTIs in children?
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, often from the skin or stool.
2. Are UTIs more common in boys or girls?
Girls are more prone to UTIs because their shorter urethra allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily.
3. How can I tell if my baby has a UTI?
Look for symptoms like fever, irritability, and foul-smelling urine.
4. Can UTIs cause permanent damage?
Most UTIs are harmless if treated promptly. However, untreated infections can lead to kidney damage.
5. How can I prevent UTIs in my child?
Good hygiene, hydration, and regular bathroom habits are key to preventing UTIs.