UTI's can be divided into two categories: Lower (bladder) and Upper (kidneys). Upper infections usually stem from a previous lower infection. Children who are following a regime of Intermittent Catheterization are more likely to develop UTIs. Females are also more likely than males to develop UTIs.
Causes:
Most UTIs (80-85%) are caused by the bacteria E. coli which is present in fecal matter.
Cures:
Most UTIs can be treated by a course of antibiotics.
Symptoms (from Wikipedia):
The most common symptoms are burning with urination and having to urinate frequently. Some pain above the pubic bone or in the lower back may be present. People experiencing an upper urinary tract infection may experience fever, nausea and vomiting. Rarely the urine may appear bloody or contain pus in the urine.
In young children, the only symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be a fever. Because of the lack of more obvious symptoms, when females under the age of two or uncircumcised males less than a year exhibit a fever, a culture of the urine is recommended by many medical associations. Infants may feed poorly, vomit, sleep more, or show signs of jaundice.
In young children, the only symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be a fever. Because of the lack of more obvious symptoms, when females under the age of two or uncircumcised males less than a year exhibit a fever, a culture of the urine is recommended by many medical associations. Infants may feed poorly, vomit, sleep more, or show signs of jaundice.
Prevention:
The best thing you can do for an infant or toddler to prevent UTIs (particularly with females) is to make sure their diaper stays clean. The longer fecal matter stays in their diaper, the higher the risk for UTI's
If your child is Intermittently Catheterized, it is very important to use best practices to ensure cleanliness so that the insertion of the catheter does not introduce E. coli bacteria into the unrinary tract.
Further Reading:
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