It may be hard to believe but Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are quite common in children. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract from the bloodstream or from the skin around the genitals and the rectum. UTIs can result from infection in the bladder (cystitis), urethra, kidneys or the ureters. Risk factors for UTIs in kids can be infrequent urination, constipation, kidney stones and others. According to healthychildren.org,   ‘About 3 percent of girls and 1 percent of boys will have a UTI by 11 years of age. The frequency of UTIs in girls is much greater than in boys. Uncircumcised boys have slightly more UTIs than those who have been circumcised.’

Kids with dysfunctional elimination syndrome (kids who hold on passing urine even when the need to do so) have increased risk of UTIs. . Vesico-ureteral reflux, where there is leakage of urine from bladder back to kidneys and ureters is quite uncommon but increases UTI risks in children.

Symptoms of UTIs are burning or pain during urination, difficulty in urinating, abdominal pain and fever among others. Infants with UTIs can be irritable, be less active than usual and have poor growth. Antibiotics are prescribed for treating UTIs. If not treated in time, UTIs can damage the kidneys or infection might become more widespread. You can help prevent UTIs in kids with simple measures such as proper hydration and use of clean cotton underwear.

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