Has your child been diagnosed with yet another urinary tract infection (UTI)?
While a single UTI can be uncomfortable, having them over and over again can be worrisome. These repeated infections can disrupt everyday routines and raise concerns about why they keep happening and how to stop them.
“A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra,” said Helen Forte, MD, a pediatrician with Banner – University Medicine. “If bacteria from the skin or rectal area gets into the urinary tract, it can quickly grow and cause an infection.”
For many kids, UTIs don’t return after they are treated. But for some, UTIs can be recurrent. Recurrent UTIs can have serious complications, such as scarring on the kidneys.
Dr. Forte helps break down the signs and symptoms, why they are common in children and ways you can help prevent future UTIs.
What are the signs my child has a UTI?
“In children, UTIs often affect the bladder and the urethra, causing symptoms like a burning sensation when they pee or a frequent need to pee,” Dr. Forte said.
Other symptoms of a UTI in children may include:
- Bad smelling urine
- Pain in the lower back
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bedwetting or accidents
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Fever
Why are UTIs common in children?
About 8% of girls and 2% of boys will develop a UTI by the time they are 10 years old. About 30% to 50% of children with a UTI will experience another within the first year after their first infection. But why?
“One reason is bathroom habits,” Dr. Forte said. “Some children may not always wipe properly after using the bathroom. Wiping from back to front allows bacteria to spread.”
Children may ignore the urge to go to the bathroom, leading to a full bladder where bacteria can grow. Kids sometimes don’t empty their bladders completely, leaving urine behind which can also become a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Sometimes, recurring UTIs occur due to a child’s anatomy,” Dr. Forte said. In girls, the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Some children may have conditions like vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), where urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys. VUR is common in infants and children.
How are recurring UTIs treated?
When UTIs keep coming back, your child’s health care provider may take several steps to manage the condition:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment. The specific type and how long it must be taken depends on the severity of the infection and your child’s medical history.
- Urine tests: To determine the best antibiotic, the provider may perform a urine culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
- Imaging tests: In cases of frequent UTIs, imaging tests like ultrasounds or X-rays may be needed to check for structural problems in the urinary tract.
- Prophylactic antibiotics: Low-dose antibiotics may be prescribed for some children with frequent infections to prevent future UTIs.
- Surgery: In rare cases, if structural problems like VUR are causing infections, surgery might be needed to correct the problem.
It’s important to note that children should complete the entire course of medications to prevent the infection from worsening or affecting the kidneys.
“By completing the medication, you can increase the odds of killing the bacteria,” Dr. Forte said. “Stopping early allows a small portion to remain, which can strengthen, change and develop antibiotic resistance.”
How can parents help prevent UTIs?
While some factors are beyond your control, there are many ways you can help prevent infections down the road:
- Encourage good bathroom habits: Teach your child to go to the bathroom regularly and not hold their pee when they need to go. Encourage them to empty their bladder completely when they go to the bathroom.
- Proper wiping: For girls, teach them to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the urethra.
- Stay hydrated: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to help flush out the urinary system.
- Choose the right underwear: Cotton underwear allows the skin to breathe and can reduce moisture, which can help prevent bacterial growth.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid bubble baths, scented soaps and other products that irritate your child’s private parts.
- Proper cleaning: Teach proper cleaning habits, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and regular bathing.
- Change diapers often: Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on your little one gives the germs more of a chance to enter the urethra.
When to see a health care provider
Contact your child's health care provider if your child shows signs of a UTI. If left untreated, repeated UTIs can lead to more serious infections and other complications. If your child has recurring infections, discuss the causes and the best methods to prevent another one in the future with your child’s provider .
Takeaway
Recurring UTIs in children are common, but there are effective treatments and ways to prevent UTIs in the future. Encourage your child to maintain good hygiene, go to the bathroom regularly and drink plenty of water.
If your child keeps getting UTIs, talk to their health care provider or a Banner Health specialist to find out why and how to prevent them in the future. With the right care, you can help your child stay comfortable and healthy.
