Urinary Tract Infection In Babies – 6 Causes, 6 Symptoms & 5 Treatments You Should Be Aware Of

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection. This infection is common during childhood, and may surface by simply responding to antibiotic therapy. It is generally divided into two areas.

1. Upper urinary tract consisting of urethra and the kidneys running from the kidney to the bladder.
2. Lower track involving the urethra and bladder.

Natasha Burgert of Pediatric Associates in the Kansas City states, “Usually, babies and toddlers have no physical symptoms at all. They don’t cry. There’s no change in the smell of their urine, and there’s no change in the color. You rarely see any blood in the urine or anything to physically indicate that there’s an infection.”

Causes Behind UTI In Babies Or Infants:

It is very important that you are aware of the causes of urinary tract infection in babies or infants.

1. 1. Bacteria is said to be a major cause behind babies urinary tract infection.
   2. Abnormality in function or structure of the urinary tract that affects the normal flow of urine results in infections.
   3. Reflux or backward flow of urine from bladder to the uterus and kidneys result in UTIs. This condition may be present during birth.
   4. Poor hygiene habits and toilet habits.
   5. Bubble baths or use of soap results in irritation in the urethra.
   6. Family history of UTI.

This infection can be treated if diagnosed early. If left undiagnosed, it results in kidney damage in younger babies especially babies under the age of 6.

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection In Babies:

The symptoms and signs vary depending on the age of your child and the part of the urinary track that has been infected. The symptoms are general in infants and young babies. You may find your child irritated, vomiting often or may not feel like eating. Fever may be the only symptom at times that may come and go for no reason. In case of a bladder infection, you can look for the following symptoms:

1. Stinging, burning or pain sensation while passing urine.
2. Increase in frequency of urination.
3. Persistent fever that come and goes.
4. Bed wetting even when your child has been taught toilet habits.
5. Foul smell or blood in urine.
6. Pain in lower back or in the abdomen.

Many of the symptoms are linked with kidney infection as well. The child may fall sick often and may look tired as well.

Diagnosis For Urinary Tract Infection In Babies:

Before commencing with any suitable treatment, doctors will diagnose baby and find out the symptoms. In case your baby is infected with UTI, doctors suggest the following:

• Doctors collect samples of bacteria for testing.
• Your doctor may even use a catheter and collect urine sample from your baby. This is a very simple process that takes less than a minute, but it can make him little uncomfortable and he might find the whole process highly irritating.

Treatment For Urinary Tract Infection In Babies:

Once UTI has been confirmed, doctors carry out the following treatment procedures:

1. Your doctor may suggest antibiotics for your baby before getting the test results.
2. Sometimes they may wait for the urine culture report as well.
3. The antibiotics offered are generally in liquid form and suggested for 2 weeks.
4. Even if your baby is negative for the test, you need to continue with the antibiotic to ensure the bacteria are completely killed.
5. In case your baby is less than a month old, you may have to hospitalize him for treatment and intravenous medicines.

As parents, you need to ensure your child gets sufficient fluids, fruits and plenty of vegetables to prevent constipation. If constipation is not treated for long, it can result in urinary tract infections. Remember to change diapers from time to time. Since prevention is always better than cure, these are some simple measures you can follow. Make sure to consult a doctor if things are going out of control.