Under normal conditions, there are no bacteria, fungi, or viruses present in urine. However, when microbes enter the urinary tract for any reason, a urinary tract infection occurs. A large portion of urinary tract infections are caused by the "Escherichia coli" bacteria found in the digestive system. Children can easily contract this disease due to diarrhea, diaper use, and diaper rash, and if the disease is not noticed as they cannot express themselves, it may progress and harm the kidneys.
Urinary tract infection is an infection caused by bacteria affecting the urinary tracts. This type of infection is more commonly seen especially in young girls. Urinary tract infections are classified into three main categories depending on the affected area.
• Urethritis is an infection of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the body.
• Cystitis occurs with an infection in the bladder.
• Pyelonephritis is usually a condition that appears in advanced stages and refers to a kidney infection.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Children
When carefully observing your child, a urinary tract infection can cause sufficient symptoms to arouse suspicion about the disease. Common symptoms include frequent urination, crying while urinating, urinary incontinence, urine that is cloudy and foul-smelling, making small amounts of urine despite feeling a strong urge, fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If your child has one or more of these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialized pediatrician to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive Measures for Protecting Children from Urinary Tract Infections
There are certain measures that can be taken to protect children from urinary tract infections:
• Encourage children to use the restroom frequently,
• Ensure that children stay in a hygienic environment,
• Make sure children drink plenty of water,
• Pay attention to the genital hygiene of children and teach them hygiene measures,
• After toileting, wipe children from front to back,
• Choose cotton products for children's underwear.
If the symptoms caused by the infection are mild, doctors may advise parents to help cleanse the urinary tract by ensuring their child drinks plenty of water. However, if the symptoms are severe or the infection recurs, doctors usually recommend antibiotic treatment. It's important to choose the appropriate antibiotic and take it in the correct dosage for effective treatment. Refrain from using non-prescription medications for the health of your child, and consult a doctor as soon as possible when any symptom is observed, taking their recommendations into account to treat the disease before it progresses.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Young Children
Recurrent urinary tract infections are a frequent problem, especially in young children. These infections may recur after being treated once and are related to the child's immune system, hygiene habits, or other health issues.
Recurrent infections can damage the child's kidneys, leading to health problems. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent the infection from recurring.
Causes of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
- Insufficient hygiene: Neglecting the special area hygiene of children can lead to bacterial build-up and recurrent infections.
- Immune system: Children become more vulnerable to infections when their immune systems are weak.
- Urinary tract anatomical issues: Structural problems related to the urinary tract in children can prevent the proper expulsion of urine from the bladder, leading to frequent recurrent infections.
- Frequent illness in children: Children are more prone to infections. Frequent illnesses can pave the way for the recurrence of urinary tract infections.
Methods to Prevent Recurrent Infections
- Regular doctor visits: If your child has frequent urinary tract infections, consulting a specialist might be necessary. In some cases, there may be a structural issue within the child's urinary tract.
- Adherence to hygiene rules: Teaching your child proper hygiene practices is crucial in preventing infections. Attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the special area after using the bathroom.
- Ensuring sufficient water intake: By ensuring your child drinks adequate water, you can help cleanse the urinary tract. Water facilitates the frequent and clean expulsion of urine.
- Antibiotic therapy: For recurrent infections, long-term low-dose medication therapy may be applied under a doctor's recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
Common symptoms of urinary tract infections in children include frequent urination, crying while urinating, urine that is cloudy and foul-smelling, fever, and fatigue.
Can urinary tract infections in children be treated?
Yes, urinary tract infections can be treated with medication. Consult a pediatrician before starting treatment.
How can I prevent a urinary tract infection?
Ensure your child drinks plenty of water, uses the restroom frequently, and learns hygiene rules. Also, pay attention to properly cleaning your child’s special area.
How can recurrent urinary tract infections be prevented?
To prevent recurrent infections, regular doctor visits and adherence to recommended treatment methods are important. Pay more attention to hygiene rules.