Related Topics:
Childhood Illness and Disease
Home Remedies

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder and sometimes the kidneys (pylonephritis). It is important to treat UTI's so that the kidneys are not damaged.

UTI's are caused by bacteria. The bacteria enter the bladder by traveling up the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder with the outside of the body). Common irritants are bubble bath, shampoo or remnants of bowel movements. A rare cause of UTI's (1% in girls and 5% in boys) is obstruction of the urinary tract that leads to incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Various symptoms may occur with a UTI including:

	Painful urination
	Frequent urination
	Daytime or nighttime wetting
	Foul smelling urine
	Fever
	Stomachaches
	Vomiting

It is very important to get a urine sample in order to start the right antibiotic. The antibiotic will kill the bacteria causing the infection. You must make sure your child takes ALL the medicine until it is GONE in order to keep the infection from flaring up again.

	You will need to give extra fluids to flush the kidneys (Cranberry Juice and water are terrific).
	If your child runs a fever or is complaining of pain, give acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen as directed.
	2 days after your child begins antibiotics, check with your doctor about the urine results to make sure your child is on the right medication to kill the bacteria.
	After about 2 weeks, when all the medicine is gone, your child should have a repeat urine test. Chances are high (50% of cases) that your daughter can develop a second infection.

PREVENTION:

	Wash the genital areas with water not soap.
	Do not put bubble bath, shampoo or other soap in the water.
	Keep bath time less than 15 minutes. Have your child urinate after baths.
	Teach your daughter to wipe herself from front to back, especially after a bowel movement.
	Try not to let your child get constipated.
	Encourage plenty of fluids everyday.
	Encourage your child to urinate every 3-4 hours during the day. Don't "hold it" all day long.
	Have your child wear loose cotton underwear.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:

	Fever or painful ruination continue 48 hours after starting antibiotics
	Urine becomes bloody
	Your child is acting very sick within 24 hours
	Your child refuses to take the antibiotic
	Your child gets worse while on the antibiotic

Related Topics:
Childhood Illness and Disease
Home Remedies

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)