A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In children, these infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
The most common way for a child to get a UTI is when bacteria from the skin or rectal area gets into the urethra. This can happen when your child does not wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, and the bacteria gets into the urethra and travels up to the bladder. Other sources of bacteria can include unclean or contaminated diapers, swimming pools, or even unclean hands.
In addition, certain medical conditions, such as a lack of bladder control, can increase the risk of a UTI. Other risk factors include a family history of UTIs, dehydration, or a weakened immune system.
If a child does get a UTI, they may experience symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, feeling the urge to urinate more often than usual, or fever, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to seek medical attention if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, as untreated UTIs can lead to serious kidney infections. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and help prevent it from recurring.
To help prevent UTIs in children, make sure they are wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, keep their diaper area clean and dry, encourage them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and teach them good hygiene habits such as washing their hands after using the bathroom.