Urinary Tract Infection
Date issued: September 2021
Review date: September 2023
Ref: A-484
PDF: Urinary Tract Infection parent final September 2021.pdf [pdf] 246KB
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is when germs get into the urine (wee) and travel up the urinary tract causing inflammation.
UTI’s are very common in healthy children, around 1 in 10 girls and 1 in 30 boys will have a UTI in childhood.
Helpful Tips
- Encourage plenty of oral fluids
- Encourage frequent toilet visits
- Constipation can cause UTIs
- Eat more, wee more, poo more!
- Avoid use of soaps and bubble bath
- Teach girls to wipe from front to back and encourage boys to maintain good hygiene
Signs and Symptoms of a UTI
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Fever
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Vomiting
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Burning/pain when passing urine
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Frequent toilet visits
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Drowsiness
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Tummy pain
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Cloudy or smelly urine
In babies and younger children, it is often harder to identify symptoms. They may be unwell, have a fever, feeding less or be irritable and sleepy
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of urinary tract infections depends on:
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The child’s symptoms and examination.
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A urine dip test is a quick test, which helps indicate whether an infection is likely.
Laboratory examination of the urine. This confirms the germ involved
Treatment for the UTI
A course of antibiotics may be given, and the infection will usually clear in a few days. If your child is very unwell these may be given in hospital into a vein.
Giving regular pain relief and plenty of oral fluids, will help your child to be more comfortable.
In the most cases, your child will make a full recovery. If symptoms persist or your child has many UTI’s, then further tests may be needed. This would always be discussed with you during the admission.
Your child _________received Paracetamol at _____.
You can give further doses at _______.
When to see a Doctor
You should seek further advice if ….
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Your child’s health worsens
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Your child has a fever above 38C and is under 3 months
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Fever lasts for more than 5 days
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You are concerned about looking after your child at home
Please do not hesitate to ask the nurse or hospital doctor when within your 72 hours open access or contact your health visitor or GP for further advice outside of this time.
72 hours open access
Your child has been given 72 hours open access to the children’s assessment unit.
This enables you to contact a nurse/doctor if you are concerned about your child and need advice if the symptoms worsen or continue.
Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01752 430401 if within your 72 hours open access
Should your child become unwell once the 72 hours open access has ended then please contact your GP or if necessary, the emergency department.
