How Do Toddlers Get Urinary Tract Infections?

Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTI) in toddlers can present many problems, and they must be treated promptly to avoid severe complicatons. Often, toddlers are unable to articulate their symptoms. They are more common in girls than boys.

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse, urine does not contain bacteria. When bacteria is introduced into the urinary tract, a UTI may follow. A doctor must test the child's urine to confirm a diagnosis.

Symptoms

Painful urination is the primary symptom of UTI. A toddler who appears fussy or has dark or strong smelling urine could have a UTI. If your child experiences a fever in combination with any of these symptoms, have the pediatrician test for a UTI.

Diagnosis

The pediatrician will ask your child to urinate into a cup. Toddlers in diapers will have surgical tape secured to a small plastic bag over the genitalia. If your toddler is unable to urinate, a small tube called a catheter will be inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to collect a urine sample. The urine will be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined for bacteria, blood and pus.

Causes

Inadequate wiping, especially after a bowel movement, can cause a UTI in a toddler. This is especially true for toddlers who are newly potty trained. Girls must be taught to wipe from front to back, as the reverse can introduce fecal bacteria, such as E coli, into the urinary tract. Toddlers who explore their genitals with dirty hands can transfer bacteria from their hands to their urinary tract.

Infection also can occur if the urinary tract becomes chemically irritated. Bubble baths commonly cause UTIs in toddlers. The warm water can cause the urethra to dilate and encourage bacterial growth. Chemicals in the bubble bath can bring about inflammation in the urethra, creating a perfect recipe for a UTI. The Dr. Spock website recommends limiting the amount of time a child is allowed to soak in a bubble bath to no longer than 15 minutes.

Infrequent urination is another factor associated with a UTI. The process of urination helps the body flush out bacteria invading the urinary tract. Prevent UTIs by never asking your child to hold it, and encourage him to drink plenty of clear fluids to promote urination. A toddler with a UTI may associate urination with pain and resist urinating. Ask the doctor to prescribe a medication that relieves pain, such as Pyridium.

Malformation is a rare cause of UTI in toddlers. One such malformation is Vesicoureteral reflux, or VUR. VUR occurs when an abnormality in the urinary tract causes urine to flow from the bladder to the kidneys. This can be a congenital abnormality that only presents a problem when bacteria enters the urinary tract. VUR also can be the result of a UTI when infection causes swelling that interrupts the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. Toddlers may outgrow a congenital VUR. If the VUR is caused by bacteria, it will resolve itself. A persistent congenital VUR must be repaired surgically.

Treatment

UTIs in toddlers are treated with antibiotics. The child must finish the entire course of medication and not miss a dose. If the antibiotics are stopped, and the infecting bacteria is not destroyed, the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotic treatment.

References

• National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse
• Familydoctor.org
• drspock.com

Resources

• University of Maryland Medical Center