What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• UTI (Children)
• UTI in Children

What is Urinary Tract Infection in Children? (Definition/Background Information)

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children is an infection that occurs within the urinary tract system, which consists of the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidneys
• The infection is named after the location in the urinary tract, where it occurs:
  • Infection of the ureter is urethritis
  • Infection of the bladder is cystitis
  • Infection of the kidneys is pyelonephritis
• Urinary Tract Infections in Children are generally caused by a microbe, such as bacteria. Typically, children between the ages of 6 and 12 months are more likely to develop the infection
• The risk factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Children include the female gender, low urine output, and being uncircumcised in boys. The signs and symptoms of UTI in Children include fever, irritability, and lack of appetite
• Urinary Tract Infections in Children are commonly treated with antibiotics (when the infection is caused by bacteria), which can bring about positive outcomes within 48 hours
• However, severe complications can occur if the condition is left untreated such as the spread of the infection to the kidneys or to the bloodstream

Who gets Urinary Tract Infection in Children? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Children between the ages of 6-12 months are at a greater risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections
• UTIs occur more frequently in female children than male children, even though both genders are affected
• Children of all races and ethnicities are equally susceptible to the condition 

What are the Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection in Children? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for developing Urinary Tract Infections in Children may include:

• The girl child: The female anatomy, which has a short urethra, allows easy access of bacteria into the urinary tract. For this reason, females are more vulnerable to UTI than males
• Wiping back to front after bowel movements, which can cause microbes near the anus to reach the urinary tract (especially in females)
• Malformed kidneys due to congenital abnormalities
• Delaying urination or not drinking enough fluids can decrease the flow of urine, which helps wash out bacteria from the urinary tract
• Circumcision: Uncircumcised boys have a higher risk for the infection than circumcised boys
• Blockages in the urinary tract, such as due to kidney stones, which impair the flow of urine
• Urinary bladder catheter placement (or use) can disrupt the normal flow of urine, which help wash away the microbes. A urinary bladder catheter is usually used for various medical conditions to facilitate urine outflow

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Children? (Etiology)

• Urinary Tract Infections in Children are usually caused due to infection by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, or Staphylococcus
• The infection can spread from the urethra through the urinary tract and reach the bloodstream from the kidneys
• Rarely, fungus and other parasites can also cause UTI in Children

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Children?

The signs and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Children may include:

• Fever along with chills and shivering
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Changes in urinary frequency
• Changes in consistency, smell, or color of the urine
• Loss of appetite; poor feeding
• Pelvic pain

Additional signs and symptoms may arise depending on the location of the infection which includes:

• Urethra infection (urethritis) resulting in discharge from the urethra
• Bladder infection (cystitis) causing:
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Pelvic pressure
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) causing:
  • High fever
  • Back and side pain (near the ribs)
  • Episodes of chills with shivering
  • Nausea and vomiting 

How is Urinary Tract Infection in Children Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Urinary Tract Infections in Children include:

• A complete physical examination with a detailed medical and surgical history
• Laboratory testing that may include:
  • Urine analysis, such as a dipstick test
  • Urine cultures to detect the pathogen causing the infection
  • Blood tests 
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), which is a series of X-rays using contrast dyes to detect abnormalities in the urinary tract
• Ultrasonography to detect kidney stones 

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Urinary Tract Infection in Children?

The complications from a Urinary Tract Infection in Children could include:

• Urinary discomfort
• Recurrent infections (recurrent UTIs)
• Kidney infections that could lead to kidney failure
• Spread of infection to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis

How is Urinary Tract Infection in Children Treated?

The treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Children depends on many factors including the:

• Location of infection
• Species of bacteria causing the infection

Common treatments for UTIs in Children include:

• Oral or IV antibiotics to specifically target the bacteria causing the infection, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin
• Hospital stay involving IV fluids and antibiotics
• Surgery to repair damaged portions of the kidneys: Congenital conditions of the kidney can cause abnormal kidney structure that can lead to increased risk for developing infection

Some infections are known to be self-limiting and get better without any treatment.

How can Urinary Tract Infection in Children be Prevented?

The following factors may help prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Children or reduce the risk for an infection:

• Washing properly after urination
• Maintaining proper sanitary conditions
• Wearing loose fitting clothing
• Wiping from front to back, after a bowel movement, to avoid spreading harmful bacteria
• Drinking large amounts of water to increase urination, which can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract

What is Prognosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Children? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In general, the prognosis for Urinary Tract Infections in Children is excellent, if treatment is begun immediately on onset of symptoms
• UTI symptoms typically disappear after 48 hours, however if the infection is localized to the kidneys, it make take up to a week to become better
• In some rare cases without proper treatment, UTI can spread, causing fatal kidney damage and blood infections
• In some cases, the condition resolves on its own without any treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Urinary Tract Infection in Children:

• The most common cause of Urinary Tract Infection is E. coli bacterium, which can be found in the intestines
• In some cases, antibiotics may increase one’s risk of developing UTI by promoting the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria