Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urine and move toward the bladder in children from their poop or skin. During excretion, bacteria pass through the urethra, causing infection, a common disease among children nowadays.

Risk factors for UTI

Children who are younger than 5 are more prone to UTIs. Baby girls are more susceptible due to the short urethra that is close to the anus, so bacteria quickly enter the urethra, and that occurs more often when toilet training starts. Boys have fewer chances of getting UTI until and unless they are uncircumcised.

Poor dietary habits among children, such as eating highly processed foods, spicy foods, and sweetened beverages, may cause UTIs among children.

The urethra allows entry to bacteria under the following conditions

  • In case of deformity or blockage in the organs of the urinary tract
  • Wearing tight clothes
  • Unhealthy toilet or hygiene habits
  • Holding urine for a more extended period or infrequent urination

Signs of UTI

UTI can be assessed in children if you see any of the following symptoms in your child:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Bloody urine
  • Chills with shaking
  • Fatigue and abdominal pain
  • Burning during urination or pain may be felt by the child
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Preventive measures for UTI

Following are the four major points that can save your kids from UTI if followed regularly.

Urge your kids to drink water

Staying hydrated will aid the kids in diluted urine and help them frequently urinate, flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract and not let the infection grow and cause UTI.

Emptying the bladder entirely and on time

Delaying urination allows the bacteria to multiply inside the bladder, increasing the chances of UTI.

Cleaning the bottom from front to back

Kids, especially girls, should clean themselves more carefully from front to back to stop letting bacteria enter the urinary tract, which can increase the chances of UTI.

      Prevent constipation

      Constipation tends to aggravate UTI as the accumulation of waste puts pressure on the bladder, which hinders complete emptying of the bladder and allows the bacteria to multiply, which can lead to UTI.

Parents should make their children eat plain Greek yogurt, high fibrous foods such as bananas, beans, lentils, oats, and nuts.

Take home

Urinary tract infection is common in children, especially in girls and uncircumcised boys. It occurs primarily due to poor hygiene and unhealthy toilet practices. Fatigue, vomiting, burning, and frequent urination are some common symptoms. However, one can prevent their kids from UTI by following a few easy steps, such as making them stay hydrated, incorporating fibrous foods,  and emptying the bladder properly and on time.