Skip to main content

UTI Signs & Symptoms in Children

WakeMed Health & Hospitals Childrens/Family, Urology

Most people have heard about or experienced a UTI. But what exactly are they, what causes them, and why are they a concern? UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection. Basically, they occur when bacteria enter the body and get into the urinary tract, which includes the urethra (where urine exits the body), the connecting ureters, the bladder and the kidneys.

Although they are common in kids, Dr. Timothy Bukowski, a WakeMed Pediatric Urologist, urges parents not to take them lightly. “They aren’t likely to get better on their own if unaddressed, and they can progress to a dangerous state very quickly,” says Dr. Bukowski.

“Children who have multiple UTIs with fevers could be having kidney infections that lead to scarring.” As soon as you suspect a UTI, get your child to a doctor.

If a child has symptoms of a UTI, it is helpful to encourage fluids, and acetaminophen could provide some symptom relief until they can be seen by a doctor.

Don’t Ignore These Early Signs

“A bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection, which is what we worry about,” says Dr. Bukowski. “As soon as you suspect a child has a UTI, get them to a doctor.”

Common Symptoms

  • Burning on urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Poor Appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Pain in Back or Side
  • Abdominal Pain/Belly Feels Full
  • Cloudy or Bloody Urine
  • Urine with Strong Smell
  • Wetting Accidents(Potty Trained Child)
  • Irritability
  • Exhaustion
  • Jaundice

Recurring UTIs are concerning and need to be looked into seriously to determine the cause and properly treat the infection with a focus on prevention in the future.

With a proper diagnosis, UTIs are typically easy to treat and will probably clear up in a week or so. The germs are killed by taking an antibiotic, but it is important to follow a doctor’s instructions and complete the prescribed dosage. Even if your child seems better, the infection might not be completely cleared up.

A Concern for All Ages

  • Children under 18 months can’t tell you how they’re feeling when they have a UTI, but a fever is a common sign of concern.
  • As children get older and identify sensations in their bladder, they will likely communicate that it hurts when they have to go.
  • Children with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to UTIs.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids is always important and can be especially helpful in clearing up a UTI.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep the skin around babies’ and toddlers’ urinary area clean; teach them to do the same.
  • Teach girls to wipe front to back.

Meet the Expert – Dr. Bukowski

Timothy Bukowski, MD, is a board-certified pediatric urologist providing a full range of pediatric urology care, including advanced laparoscopic procedures. He brings over 25 years of experience to WakeMed Children’s and was selected as one of the Best Doctors in America by Best Doctors® for the last 18 consecutive years. Dr. Bukowski earned his medical degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine in Buffalo, New York, and completed fellowships in pediatric urology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Children’s Hospital Medical Center and at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Learn more about WakeMed Pediatric Urology, and make an appointment at one of our locations.

Share