Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children: What parents need to know

When Lauren was just under two years old, she developed a fever of 103, was irritable and lost her appetite. Mom, who suspected her daughter’s condition was more than “just a bug,” scheduled an appointment with Lauren’s pediatrician. Based on her symptoms and physical examination, Lauren was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The tiny tot was treated and quickly felt better. Unfortunately, the relief was short-lived. To mom’s surprise, the UTI returned. “This is an incredibly common story,” says Dr. Caleb Nelson, urologist in the Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Urology. “We see dozens of children like Lauren who are referred to us for further imaging and testing for recurrent UTI.” UTIs in children are not uncommon. By age 5, about eight percent of girls and one to two percent of boys have had at least one UTI. Anatomic factors, toileting habits (frequency and emptying the bladder completely), constipation and other factors may contribute to elevated risk of infection. According to Nelson, any UTI in a child is worrisome. “We see many children with UTIs and recommend kids get appropriately evaluated after the first UTI to identify risk factors for recurrence,” Nelson says. Nelson answers parents’ most frequently asked questions about UTIs, including signs and symptoms, treatment options and when to see a pediatric urology specialist. Thriving: What causes a UTI? Nelson: A urinary tract infection occurs wh...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Diseases & Conditions Department of Urology Dr. Caleb Nelson recurrent UTI urinary tract infections Source Type: news