Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are extremely common in children. These infections can be very painful, and distressing for children and their parents.

Fortunately, once diagnosed, they are usually easily treated and don't have long-term effects. UTIs do not get better without treatment. UVA Health Children's offers a number of same-day care options that can help your child feel better sooner.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

The infection can occur at any point between a child's kidneys and urethra, where urine comes out. Most of the time, the infection is in the part between the bladder and urethra. These infections are often referred to as bladder infections. If left untreated, these infections can continue to travel to the kidney.

Infections rarely start in the kidney. Once in the kidney, the symptoms tend to be more severe.

UTI Causes & Prevention

Bacteria entering the urinary tract are the most common cause of UTIs. In children this can be caused by:
Wiping incorrectly

Holding urine

Infrequent diaper changes

Helping your child understand good bathroom habits can help. Some children are at additional risk, and may get a UTI regardless. Having a family history of UTIs, a contributing medical condition, or being a girl are all risk factors.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Symptoms vary for each child and are similar to those seen in other conditions. In babies, these can include:

• Fever
• Foul-smelling urine
• Crying, irritability or fussiness
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Symptoms in older children may include:

• Sudden and frequent need to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Incontinence or other trouble with urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen, back, side or below the ribs
• Foul-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever, chills and/or fatigue

Diagnosis & Treatment at UVA Health Children's

At UVA Health Children's, your child’s healthcare provider may perform tests such as:

• Urinalysis

• Kidney ultrasound
• Voiding cystourethrogram (a type of imaging test that focuses on the bladder and how it empties)

Depending on the symptoms and age of your child, treatment may include:

• Instructions to drink plenty of water
• Antibiotics
• Pain relief medication