Urinary tract infections in children. URINARY TRACT INFECTION OVERVIEWThe urinary system includes two kidneys (that filter urine), two ureters (that move urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder (that holds urine), and the urethra (that carries urine out of the bladder) (figure 1). Bacteria (germs) do not normally live in these areas. When bacteria enter the bladder or kidneys, an infection can develop. These infections are called urinary tract infections (UTI). Kidney infections are the most serious type of UTI because, if not treated quickly, the infection can permanently damage the kidneys. Rarely, damage to the kidney can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure later in life. Urinary tract infections in adolescents and adults are discussed separately (see "Patient education: Urinary tract infections in adolescents and adults (Beyond the Basics)"). More detailed information about urinary tract infections in children is available by subscription. See "Urinary tract infections in infants and children older than one month: Clinical features and diagnosis" and "Urinary tract infections in infants older than one month and young children: Acute management, imaging, and prognosis" and "Acute cystitis: Clinical features and diagnosis in children older than two years and adolescents".)URINARY TRACT INFECTION CAUSESIn healthy children, most urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by Escherichia coli (E. These bacteria can move from the anus to the urethra and into the bladder (and sometimes up into the kidney) causing infection. Risk factors — Some children have a higher chance of developing a UTI. The following are some risk factors for UTI: ●Young age; boys younger than one year old, and girls younger than four years of age are at highest risk.●Being uncircumcised; there is a four to 1. UTIs in uncircumcised boys. Still, most uncircumcised boys do NOT develop UTIs. See "Patient education: Circumcision in baby boys (Beyond the Basics)".)●Having a bladder catheter for a prolonged period of time.●Having parts of the urinary tract that did not form correctly before birth.●Having a bladder that does not work properly.●Having one UTI slightly increases the chance of getting another UTI. URINARY TRACT INFECTION SYMPTOMSSymptoms of a urinary tract infection depend on the child's age. Older children — Children older than two years often have: ●Pain or burning when urinating●Frequent need to urinate●Pain in the lower abdomen or sides of the back (figure 2)●Fever (higher than 1. What's a urinary tract infection? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys. F or 3. 8ºC) (see "Patient education: Fever in children (Beyond the Basics)")Younger children — Symptoms in children younger than two years may include one or more of the following: ●Fever, which may be the only symptom●Vomiting or diarrhea●Irritability or fussiness●Poor feeding, poor weight gain. URINARY TRACT INFECTION DIAGNOSISIf you are concerned that your child has a urinary tract infection (UTI), make an appointment with the child's doctor or nurse within 2. Waiting to start treatment can increase the risk of damage to the kidneys. Urine testing — A urine sample is needed to determine if the child has a UTI. In young children who are not toilet trained, initial testing may be performed on a urine sample collected in a bag. · Abdominal ureter. The ureter is roughly 25-30 cm long in adults and courses down the retroperitoneum in an S curve. At the proximal end of the ureter is. The kidneys play a critical role in health. When something goes wrong, it could indicate a kidney disease. What are kidney diseases, and how can they be treated? MultiCare Medical Imaging offers diagnostic and screening services in Pierce, South King and Thurston counties, ranging from bone density scanning to 3D mammography. However, if those results suggest that the child has a UTI, it is usually necessary to insert a thin sterile tube (a catheter) into the bladder to obtain a urine sample for the urine culture. The use of bags to collect urine for urine culture is discouraged because the results are often misleading. In older children who can use the toilet, you can collect a urine sample by having the child urinate into a sterile cup. After obtaining the urine, a urine dipstick test is usually done in the office. If the test suggests a UTI or the child has UTI symptoms, the doctor or nurse will send the urine sample to a lab for urine culture to confirm the diagnosis. The culture helps decide which antibiotic is best. It takes up to 4. Based on the child's symptoms and the results of the dipstick test, the doctor or nurse may decide to start antibiotics before urine culture results are available. Imaging tests — Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, can show if a child's urinary system did not form correctly before birth. If the urinary system is abnormal, a child is more likely to have UTIs. A kidney ultrasound is generally done in younger children (less than three to five years old). Children who have had more than one UTI generally have more detailed imaging tests (a voiding cystourethrogram [VCUG] test) to look for abnormalities that may have been missed by the ultrasound. Kidney ultrasound — Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the kidneys. During the test, gel is applied to the skin on the child's back and abdomen and a small wand- like device is pressed against the body. The test is not painful and usually takes less than 3.
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