Toilet Training & UTI in Children

Potty training and urinary tract infections sometimes go together.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are uncomfortable infections that result from bacteria seeping into a person's urinary tract. A child who is being potty-trained may be susceptible to this type of infection for numerous reasons.

Significance

Children who are being potty-trained may be prone to UTIs if they hold their urine or bowel movements to avoid the awkwardness of eliminating on a potty. A full bladder is more likely to become infected than an empty one.

Hygiene

Poor hygiene cause a UTI in a small child. While a small girl is learning bathroom skills she is more likely to make mistakes involving improper wiping, such as wiping from back to front, which may result in an infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms that your child has a urinary tract infection include abdominal pain, fever, chills, smelly urine and difficulty or painful urination.

Treatment

Antibiotics must be taken to treat a UTI. The condition will worsen and may spread to the kidneys if left untreated. If you suspect she has a UTI, it is essential that you take your child to the doctor, who can run a simple urine test and diagnose an infection.

Prevention

Although some children may be more prone to UTIs than others, there are some steps you can take to help prevent these infections. Teach your child proper hygiene habits regarding wiping. Make sure to give your child plenty of access to beverages so he will need to use the bathroom and empty his bladder often.

References

• Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
• Children's Hospital Boston