If you have ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that it can be very uncomfortable. Believe it or not, urinary tract infections can also occur very easily in children. Eight percent of girls and two percent of boys have at least one episode by the age of seven. The most common pathogen responsible for UTI is Escherichia coli. Anatomic factors, toileting habits such as frequency of not urinating and not emptying the bladder completely, using dirty toilets, constipation and other factors can also increase the risk of infection.

However, it is important for parents to know the signs of a UTI and they should also know what to do about it.

What is Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection begins when some microorganisms stick to the opening of the urethra. Microorganisms go back to the bladder, where they begin to multiply and cause infection. Most infections come from Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, often found in the colon.

How can you Diagnose UTI in Children?

  • In infants and children, the primary sign of a UTI is usually fever, pain, or burning during urination or the need to urinate more often, or difficulty passing urine.
  • Diagnosis of UTI is initiated based on a description of symptoms and a physical examination.
  • Urine analysis which is a simple laboratory test can be done in the pediatrician’s office. Your doctor may decide to treat your child for a UTI based on this test alone.
  • A urine culture test where bacteria are developed and identified in the laboratory is usually ordered.

What is the Treatment?

  • If the urine culture turns out to be positive, then it is very important for the child to get a full course of antibiotics.
  • To prevent infection from getting worst it is important to start antibiotics early and complete the entire course of medicine.
  • Your child’s pediatrician may also suggest treatments to reduce the symptoms of UTI, including medications to reduce fever or pain, and ask for fluid intake preferably to increase water.
  • After completing the full course of the antibiotic, your child’s physician may ask you to bring your child back to the office after a few days. To ensure that the infection is cured.
  • For older, toilet-trained children, good toiletting habits are necessary to prevent UTIs.
  • Children should urinate for two to three hours throughout the day.
  • Parents and caregivers should ensure that the child takes time to completely empty the bladder.
  • Certainly, good bowel and bladder habits, as well as good hygiene, are the most important way to prevent infection in children with normal anatomy.
  • The most important aspect is to keep the toilet clean.
  • Toddlers or young children should not use unhealthy toilets.
  • Toilet Seat Sanitizer Spray from RunBugz should be used to ensure that the toilet seat is free of any bacteria.

A dirty toilet seat is one of the most common places where toddlers and young children can catch a UTI. Use a toilet seat sanitizer spray from RunBugz to ensure that your child is safe and that the toilet seat is germ-free. It is the easiest and safest way to reduce the risk of UTI.