Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are infections of the kidney, bladder, or any of the tubes that connect these organs to the outside world. Urinary tract infections (UTI) can cause almost no symptoms, or a lot of symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Burning on urination
- Frequent urination
- Loss of bladder control
Please call to make an appointment if your child is experiencing these issues. The way to diagnose this infection is by a urinalysis and/or a urine culture. UTI's may need additional evaluation such as x-rays to search for any abnormalities of the bladder or kidney. Some infections, especially in boys, may need to receive a thorough evaluation after the first infection.
Some suggestions which might be useful in preventing a urinary tract infection:
- Good hygiene with mild soaps (Aveeno, Lever 2000, Oil of Olay, Dove)
- Proper use of toilet tissue (from front to back in girls)
- Avoidance of harsh detergents (Tide, Bold, Gain, etc.)
- Early treatment of pinworms (especially in girls).
- Avoidance of irritating clothing, especially those which prevent proper circulation of air in the groin area (avoid silk or nylon panties in girls, use cotton panties).
- Avoidance of clothing which is too tight and irritating.
Improperly giving medication, lack of proper follow-up care and re-evaluation can allow serious problems to go unnoticed and allow serious kidney damage to occur. It is easy to forget follow- up appointments when children are well. Kidneys are a vital organ. Please do not forget these important follow-up appointments.
