Advances in Pediatric Research
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Brief Note on Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Children

Somekh Wakeman^{* *}Correspondence: Somekh Wakeman, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Email:

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Description

Urinary tract (urinary system) is the part of the body that produces urine. The urethra is made up of two kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Urine is produced by the kidneys by eliminating wastes and excess water from the blood. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder via two small tubes called ureters. To get rid of waste when the bladder is full, a person urinates through the urethra.

When bacteria enter the urinary system, a urinary tract infection (commonly known as a UTI) occurs. Redness, swelling, and discomfort are the end results. If the infection is not treated, the germs can spread to the kidneys and produce pyelonephritis, a more dangerous infection.

UTIs affect women far more frequently than men. This could be due to the fact that women's urethras are shorter, making it simpler for bacteria to enter the bladder. People with diabetes may experience alterations in their body's defensive mechanism, making urine infections more likely. UTIs are more common in those who have blockages in their urinary tract, such as kidney stones. A man's enlarged prostate gland can potentially obstruct the flow of urine, resulting in a UTI.

UTIs are more common in those who have had a catheter (tube) in their bladder for a long time. This is due to the possibility of bacteria on the catheter infecting the bladder.

Some people have no symptoms at all. Although most people can experience one or more following symptoms:

• An urgent need to urinate, even if there are only a few drops of urine to pass

• Burning sensation while urinating

• Discomfort, pressure, or pain in the lower abdomen (stomach)

• Grey or blood-tinged urine

• Urine with a strong odour

If the infection progresses to the kidneys and gets more serious, you may develop the following symptoms:

• Lower back pain

• Fever and chills

• Nausea and vomiting

If you have any of these symptoms, consulting doctor straight away is safe method. A sample of the urine will be tested for germs and blood cells by doctor. This is referred to as a urinalysis. Healthcare professional will be able to tell which bacteria are present based on a urine sample.

Antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections. Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria and prevent them from growing.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for a period of one to two weeks. This ensures that the virus has been eradicated. The majority of infections respond well to therapy. If an illness persists or if recurring infections have, one must be subjected to additional tests, such as:

• An Intravenous Pyleogram (IVP), a form of x-ray that involves injecting a dye into a vein and collecting photos of the kidneys and bladder.

• An ultrasound exam, which uses sound waves to create an image of the kidneys and bladder.

• A cytoscopic exam, which involves looking within the bladder using a hollow tube with specific optics.

• When symptoms appear, take an antibiotic for one or two days. Taking modest dosages of antibiotics on a regular basis for at least six months.

UTI in children

Yes, although not as frequently as adults. UTIs are more common in girls than in boys, especially between the ages of 4 and 8. Infants who are born with urinary tract abnormalities have a higher risk of developing a UTI. Because symptoms of a UTI in children are more easily overlooked, parents should keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Low fever

• Irritability

• Repeated urination

• Pain or burning when urinating

The children may experience a high temperature, back ache, and vomiting if the infection transfers to the kidneys. The steps below may be useful for children to recover from the infection.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Do not delay going to the bathroom. Urinate whenever the urge arises. Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract from the bowels (intestines). Genital area should be washed at least once in a day.

Conclusion

In the vast majority of cases, UTIs can be properly treated without causing kidney damage. If a UTI is caused by a disease such as an enlarged prostate gland (in men) or a kidney stone, the infection can lead to kidney damage if the problem is not addressed. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in young children that are related with high temperatures may sometimes source for kidney damage if not treated promptly.