\ud83c\udfaf \"My baby has a fever, but he doesn't have a runny nose or cough. His doctor asked for a urine test. Why could this be?\"<\/p>
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections in infancy and childhood. Especially in the first 2 years of age, the only symptom may be fever and delayed diagnosis may cause kidney damage.<\/p>
In this article, you can find all you need to know about the symptoms of UTI, how it is diagnosed, when it can be dangerous, and the treatment process.<\/p>
Urinary tract infection; It is an infection that can involve the bladder (cystitis), ureters, urinary tract or kidneys (pyelonephritis).<\/p>
Urine is a sterile liquid, but in some cases, germs reach the urinary tract and cause infection.<\/p>
\u2022 It is more common in girls<\/p>
\u2022 It can also cause serious infections in newborn male babies.<\/p>
\ud83d\udd0d Symptoms May Vary Depending on Age<\/p>
\u2022 Unexplained fever (above 38\u00b0C)<\/p>
\u2022 Restlessness<\/p>
\u2022 Malnutrition, decreased absorption<\/p>
\u2022 Bad smelling diaper<\/p>
\u2022 Urine that is darker than yellow and has a strong odor<\/p>
\u2022 Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea<\/p>
\u2022 Frequent urination<\/p>
\u2022 Burning when urinating, crying<\/p>
\u2022 Pain in the lower abdomen<\/p>
\u2022 Bedwetting during the day, sudden bedwetting at night<\/p>
\u2022 Blood in urine<\/p>
The most important step for the diagnosis of UTI is urinalysis and urine culture.<\/p>
\u2705 How to collect urine?<\/p>
\u2022 For diapered babies: with a sterile bag (for preliminary screening), if in doubt, with a catheter.<\/p>
\u2022 In a child who is toilet trained: midstream urine can be collected.<\/p>
\u2022 Urine culture: shows which microbe is causing the infection<\/p>
\u2022 If necessary: \u200b\u200bcomplete blood count, CRP, kidney ultrasound<\/p>
\u2022 Oral antibiotic treatment for mild infections<\/p>
\u2022 Intravenous antibiotics (hospitalization) in children with fever and poor general condition.<\/p>
\u2022 Usually 7-10 days of treatment is sufficient<\/p>
\u2022 Fever subsides within 24-48 hours after starting treatment<\/p>
UTI may recur in some children. In recurring cases:<\/p>
\u2022 Urinary tract reflux (VUR): urine leaking back into the kidneys<\/p>
\u2022 Congenital kidney and bladder structural disorders<\/p>
\u2022 Constipation and hygiene problems<\/p>
\u2022 Family history of UTI<\/p>
\ud83e\ude7a When to Consult a Doctor?<\/p>
\u2022 Unexplained fever over 38\u00b0C<\/p>
\u2022 Bad smell in urine<\/p>
\u2022 Crying or restlessness while urinating<\/p>
\u2022 Seeing blood in the urine<\/p>
\u2022 Day or night bedwetting (especially if it has just started)<\/p>
\u2022 If there is a history of UTI before<\/p>
\ud83d\udca1 Suggestions for Families<\/p>
\u2705 The only cause of fever in babies and children is not always apparent \u2014 urinary tract infection should be kept in mind<\/p>
\u2705 Hygiene is very important when changing diapers<\/p>
\u2705 Girls should be taught the habit of wiping from front to back.<\/p>
\u2705 Constipation should be prevented<\/p>
\u2705 Consuming plenty of fluids should be encouraged<\/p>
\u2705 Day and night toilet habits should be monitored<\/p>
\ud83d\udccc Result<\/p>
UTI in babies and children is an infection that is often unnoticed but can be completely treated with early diagnosis.<\/p>
If the cause of fever is not clear, the urinary tract should also be evaluated, as it may cause permanent damage to the kidneys if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.<\/p>
\ud83e\ude7a I would be happy to host you in my office for the evaluation and follow-up process of urinary tract infection in babies and children in Izmir.<\/p>\n\n