Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. They can affect the:
- bladder
- urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body)
- kidneys
UTIs usually aren't serious and can be treated with antibiotics if needed.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 111 or speak to a GP urgently if:
You think a child has a urinary tract infection (UTI) and they:
- are under 3
- have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
- have a very low temperature below 36C
- are confused or drowsy
- have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- have blood in their pee
Types of UTI
A UTI may be either:
- upper
- lower
An upper UTI means an infection of the kidneys or ureters. Ureters are the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.
A lower UTI means an infection of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra. This is the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Causes
UTIs happen when germs, usually bacteria, infect the urinary tract.
Bacteria from the gut can enter the urinary tract through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). This can happen when a child:
- wipes their bottom
- soils their nappy
Some children are more prone to UTIs because they have trouble emptying their bladder fully. This can be caused by:
- constipation
- dysfunctional elimination syndrome, where a child holds on to their pee even though they feel the urge to go
- vesicoureteral reflux, where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys
Treatment
UTIs in children usually start improving within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment, and they don't tend to cause any lasting problems.
Antibiotics
Most UTIs in children can be treated at home with antibiotics, as long as the child is older than 3 months and isn't at risk of becoming seriously unwell. The right antibiotic depends on the type of UTI the child has.
Some children get mild side effects from antibiotics, such as feeling sick or an upset stomach. These usually settle down once the course is finished. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your child seems better sooner, since stopping early can let the infection come back.
Other treatments
If it helps ease symptoms, liquid paracetamol can be given to children with a UTI.
As a precaution, some children with a UTI need to be treated in hospital. Your GP will let you know if this is needed in your child's case.
Avoid giving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for a UTI, as these can harm the kidneys. Aspirin should never be given to children under 16.
Prevention
Preventing UTIs in children
It isn’t possible to prevent all childhood UTIs. But, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your child getting one.
Do
- encourage girls to wipe their bottom from front to back
- make sure children are well hydrated and go to the toilet regularly
- avoid nylon and other synthetic underwear – pick loose, cotton underwear
- avoid scented soaps or bubble baths – these can increase the risk of developing a UTI
Recurrent UTIs in children
A small number of children have recurring UTIs. If your child has had a UTI before, it’s important to watch out for any symptoms.
If any symptoms do come back, tell your GP as soon as possible.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.