Urinary infections common in children

Urinary infections common in children

Dec. 2, 2008 08:32 AM

Contributed by Dr. Barry Chang, who is a pediatric urologist with Banner Children's Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center.

Question: My child seems to get regular urinary-tract infections. Could that cause damage as she gets older?

Answer: Urinary-tract infections are common in children. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria moves up the urethra and into the bladder. This can often be traced to children who don't urinate enough or who don't relax their muscles properly while urinating.

If left untreated, recurrent UTI may cause kidney damage so it is important to recognize the signs and get help for your child. Some symptoms of UTI may include:

• Pain when urinating.

• Changes in frequency, appearance or smell of urine.

• Lower abdominal pain.

• Lower back discomfort or pain.

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever or chills.

If you see any of these signs in your child, it is important to talk with your pediatrician to see if a visit to a pediatric urologist is necessary.

There are some things parents can do to help prevent recurrent UTI.

Encourage kids to:

• Drink eight to 10 glasses of water or other fluids per day, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

• Make sure kids get their vitamins.

• Change diapers frequently and use proper wiping techniques.

• Use cotton underwear.

• Correct constipation.

• Always schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor.

E-mail health questions to nancy.neff@bannerhealth.com or mail to Nancy Neff, 1400 S. Dobson Road, Mesa AZ 85202.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/citizen/articles/2008/12/02/20081202mr-askexpert1205.html