Key points about urinary tract infections
- a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urine (wee)
- UTIs are common in tamariki and pēpi
- sometimes UTIs can make tamariki and pēpi seriously ill
- UTIs can cause tamariki to have a fever and become unwell
The urinary tract and how it works
The urinary tract is the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
The kidneys filter and remove waste and water from the blood to produce urine. The urine travels from the kidneys down 2 narrow tubes called the ureters. The urine is then stored in the bladder.
When your child does a wee, urine flows out of the body through the urethra, a tube at the bottom of the bladder. The opening of the urethra is at the end of the penis in boys and in front of the vagina in girls.
An illustration showing the front and side view of the female urinary tract.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration shows the front view and side view of the female urinary tract.
The illustration's main label is: Female urinary tract
The left side of the illustration has the label: Front view
- Inside her body, there are 2 kidneys.
- Thin tubes called ureters run from each kidney down to the bladder.
- A short tube called the urethra leads from the bladder to the outside.
The right side of the picture has the label: Side view
- In this side view, inside her body, you can see 1 kidney.
- The ureter goes down from the kidney to the bladder.
- he urethra goes from the bladder to outside the body.
Labels point to these parts on both views:
- Kidney
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Urethra
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz.
An illustration showing the front and side view of the male urinary tract.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration shows the front view and side view of the male urinary tract.
The illustration's main label is: Male urinary tract
The left side of the illustration has the label: Front view
- Inside the young boy's body, there are 2 kidneys.
- Thin tubes called ureters run from each kidney down to the bladder.
- A short tube called the urethra leads from the bladder to the outside.
The right side of the picture has the label: Side view
- In this side view, inside his body, you can see 1 kidney.
- The ureter goes down from the kidney to the bladder.
- The urethra goes from the bladder, through the penis, to outside the body.
Labels point to these parts on both views:
- Kidney
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Urethra
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz.
What is a UTI?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) is an infection in the urine (wee). It usually starts in the bladder and sometimes can affect the kidneys.
Learn more about kidney infections.
Causes of UTI
A UTI usually develops when germs (bacteria) from the poo get into the urethra and bladder. This can happen to any baby or child.
What puts children at risk of getting a UTI
UTIs are common. They can happen at any age.
There are some conditions which put pēpi and tamariki at higher risk of UTIs:
- wearing nappies
- constipation
- a problem with the urinary tract
- neurological conditions where the bladder doesn't empty properly
Symptoms of a UTI
Symptoms in children
Tamariki with a UTI may have the following symptoms:
- fever
- vomiting
- feeling generally unwell, often with loss of appetite
- tummy pain
- pain when weeing
- wanting to wee frequently
- bedwetting or wetting during the day, if previously dry
- blood in the wee
If you think your child has a UTI, see a health professional.
Symptoms in babies and young children
Symptoms of a UTI in pēpi and young tamariki can include:
- fever
- irritability
- poor feeding
- vomiting
- being very tired and lacking energy
- poor weight gain
- jaundice in newborn pēpi that continues for more than 2 weeks
Sometimes a UTI can become more serious in pēpi and tamariki. The infection can spread to the kidneys, blood stream and brain.
If you are worried your baby has a UTI, see a health professional urgently.
Diagnosing a UTI
Testing your child's urine is the only way to know for sure if they have a UTI. Your health professional can arrange a urine test for your child.
Managing a UTI
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the main treatment for UTIs. Treatment is usually for 3 to 7 days. This depends on several factors, including how unwell your child is and whether they have underlying kidney problems.
Your child's symptoms should start to improve after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment.
Drinking more fluids
Encouraging your child to drink more fluid may help.
Paracetamol if needed
You can give pain relief (paracetamol) if your child is in discomfort. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Some babies and children need to go to hospital
The following pēpi and tamariki with a UTI usually need to go to hospital to see if they need intravenous antibiotics (into a vein):
- pēpi under 3 months of age
- tamariki who are very unwell
Tests that may be needed
If your baby has had a UTI and is under 12 months of age, they may need further tests.
Renal ultrasound scan
The most common investigation is a renal ultrasound. This is to find out if there are any blockages and to check if the kidneys are normal in shape, size and position.
Other investigations
A small number of pēpi and tamariki may need a micturating cysto-urethrogram (MCU) or a nuclear medicine scan.
A specialist at the hospital needs to request these tests.
Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram In Children
Nuclear Medicine Kidney Scans In Children
Preventing UTIs in your child
UTIs can be difficult to prevent, but here are some things that may help.
Treat constipation
Tamariki who have constipation are at higher risk of developing a UTI.
Encourage good toilet habits
Encourage your child to go to the toilet regularly when they feel the need. Tamariki who hold on a long time are more at risk of UTIs.
Encourage your child to sit properly on the toilet with their feet on a stool so that they empty their bladder completely.
Teach girls to wipe their bottoms from front to back rather than back to front.
Toilet training
Toilet training your child and getting them out of nappies can help reduce UTIs.
Learn more about toilet training.
Drink plenty of water
Make sure your child drinks plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
Acknowledgements
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
