Urinary tract infection is a common problem. It usually affects women, but UTI problems are often seen in men as well. Often, women go to the doctor and complain that the child cries and swells when urinating, there are spots and redness in the child’s urine. All of these symptoms can be from a UTI. Yes! Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can also affect children. Let’s know everything about it.

In general, there are no germs or bacteria in the urine of children. But there are millions of bacteria in the gut. When bacteria enter the urinary tract from the intestines, the possibility of a urinary tract infection increases.

Health Shots spoke to Dr. Geeta Kekre, MBBS, MS, General Surgery, MCh Pediatric Surgeon from Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune on this topic. He shared some important things about UTI in children. So let’s know the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of UTI in children.

First, what is a urinary tract infection?

Once bacteria enter the urinary tract, they multiply rapidly. In this case, due to the activation of bacteria, the lining of the urinary tract becomes inflamed, and the skin becomes red, irritated and painful. In such a situation, many other types of symptoms are seen in the body.

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These symptoms are seen in case of UTI in children

Burning or pain when urinating – In the case of a UTI, an older child may report pain in the lower abdomen when urinating. Also, there is a burning sensation in their urinary tract. But children who cannot speak, cry in such a situation.

Therefore, parents should pay attention that even their child does not cry after urinating. Along with this, many other symptoms can also occur such as:

Abdominal pain
Fever
passing urine
blood in the urine
frequent urination
temporary inability to control urine

These symptoms can be observed in infants and teenagers

Fever
lethargy
nervousness
reduction of spasticity
do not breastfeed

What is the main cause of UTI in children?

Children often use the toilet paper from back to front after going to the bathroom out of carelessness and ignorance. In such a situation, the risk of infection increases. Especially girls are more affected because their private parts are very close to each other.

While small children remain in diapers, due to which urine and feces remain in their diapers for a long time. In this case, due to prolonged contact between urine and feces, bacteria enter the bladder from urine and increase the risk of infection.

Now know how to treat UTI in children

Doctors first prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. First of all, children’s urine is tested. It will determine what type of antibiotic to give them. At the same time, try to keep children hydrated as much as possible. This helps to remove harmful bacteria from the bladder. But lower urinary tract infections can be treated at home with medication. But upper urinary tract infections in children require medical attention and antibiotics.

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Keep these things in mind to protect young children from UTIs

perineal hygiene

After babies poop, wipe their tails from front to back, not back to front. Taking this measure is especially important for girls.

keep the kids hydrated

Young children do not drink water on their own, so give them water regularly and try to keep them fully hydrated. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria in the bladder and urine.

toilet training is necessary

It is necessary to give toilet training to children from childhood. It is important to tell them that urine and feces should not be stored for a long time, as this increases the risk of UTI. It is also very important to explain to them the healthy ways to clean up after a shower.

Develop good eating habits

It is very important to develop healthy eating habits in children from childhood. Otherwise, it can cause UTI. Malnutrition leads to constipation, which increases the risk of UTI.

Check diapers often. Also, if necessary, change the diaper immediately.

Continue regular urinalysis in children aged 5 to 7 years. It is easy to understand whether the child is suffering from any problem or not.

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