Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Children and Young People
Urinary tract infections in children are common and not usually serious, but can be uncomfortable and may need treatment with antibiotics.
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What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, urethra (the tube that urine leaves the body through), kidneys or ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract.
UTIs are very common in children, with approximately 1 in 10 girls and 1 in 30 boys having had a UTI by the age of 16 years.
Urinary tract infections can be classified as:
- lower - infections of the bladder and urethra
- upper - infections of the kidney or ureters
At Welbeck, our consultants currently diagnose and treat urinary tract infections in children and young people aged 12 to 18.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of a UTI include:
pain or a burning sensation when urinating that may make your child reluctant to use the toilet
frequent and urgent need to urinate, which can lead to bedwetting or accidents
urine that appears cloudy, dark or has a strong odour
blood in urine
appearing or feeling generally unwell
in more severe cases, fever, chills, vomiting and pain in the back or abdomen
Young children, or children who cannot communicate how they are feeling, may exhibit unusual irritability, lethargy or a reduced appetite.
When should I seek medical help for a child with a UTI?
It’s important to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible if your child has any of the following symptoms:
a high temperature over 38 degrees Celsius
a very low temperature below 36 degrees Celsius
pain or a burning sensation when urinating
frequent and urgent need to urinate
urine that appears cloudy, dark or has a strong odour
confusion or drowsiness
blood appearing in the urine
lower abdominal pain, back pain or pain located under the ribs
These can be symptoms of a kidney infection, which can be serious if left untreated and can lead to sepsis.
What causes UTIs in children?
Almost all UTIs in children are caused by bacteria from the digestive system entering the urinary tract through the urethra. It’s quite common in children as they are learning to use the toilet independently and may not always have the best hygiene practices.
Girls are more likely to get UTIs as their urethra is shorter, and also because the urethra in females is situated closer to the anus than in males. This is why it’s important to always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
UTIs can also be caused by:
kidney stones
anatomical abnormalities
holding onto urine or incomplete emptying of the bladder
abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as vesicoureteral reflux (a problem with the valves in the ureters), which causes urine to leak back into the ureters from the bladder
How are UTIs in children diagnosed at Welbeck?
UTIs are usually diagnosed by urinalysis. A sample of your child's urine will be taken and analysed for signs of bacteria, usually using a dipstick test. A sample may also be sent for urine culture to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Some children may experience recurrent UTIs, and this may require further investigation by our paediatric urologists to determine any underlying issue.
Further diagnostics may include:
urinalysis to check the urine for signs of infection and other issues
urine sample collection for laboratory testing
ultrasound
blood tests
How are UTIs in children treated at Welbeck?
UTIs in children that do not resolve after a few days are usually treated with oral antibiotics as prescribed by your consultant. Your child can take these at home and can carry on with their normal activities if they feel well enough.
Occasionally, antibiotics may lead to side effects such as an upset stomach or generally feeling unwell. These symptoms are usually mild and will stop once the treatment is complete. As with all antibiotics, your child must complete the full course to successfully treat the infection.
If there are underlying reasons for your child’s UTI, the best course of treatment will be recommended by our team, depending on the diagnosis.
Caring for your child while they have a UTI
ensure they take the full course of antibiotics prescribed
use painkillers such as paracetamol to help alleviate any pain
encourage your child to drink plenty of water and use the toilet regularly to fully empty the bladder
allow them to get plenty of rest
warm baths can be used to help with pain, but avoid using any soap or bubble bath
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, London’s leading paediatric urologists use the latest innovations in healthcare to accurately diagnose and treat urinary tract infections in our world-class outpatient clinic. Your child will receive the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel supported and listened to.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book a private consultation
Your child’s health is of utmost importance to us, so we strive to offer same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance for your child, their treatment at Welbeck can begin once your provider has confirmed authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How long do UTIs in children last?
Usually, UTIs in children will last less than 48 hours once antibiotic treatment is started. Occasionally, the UTI will come back, and a different antibiotic is needed. It’s important for your child to finish the course of antibiotics, even if symptoms have gone away. You should monitor your child carefully following treatment to make sure the UTI has not returned.
How can UTIs in children be prevented?
The chance of your child getting a UTI can be reduced by:
good hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back
encouraging your child to use the toilet regularly and to fully empty their bladder each time
staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet that includes enough fibre to prevent constipation
wearing cotton underwear rather than synthetic fabrics
avoiding scented soaps and bubble baths
What should I do if my child’s symptoms aren’t improving?
A simple urinary tract infection can resolve within 2 to 3 days. If symptoms have not improved, get in contact with your consultant for advice.
Remember, if you notice any symptoms of sepsis, please take your child to A&E, as this is an emergency.
Why does my child keep getting UTIs?
There are many reasons why your child may keep getting UTIs. Your consultant will assess their medical history and symptoms to identify the most likely cause and recommend an effective treatment plan.