Babies Can Get UTI Too, Expert Tells How To Identify UTI In Babies

In India, children frequently get urinary tract infections (UTIs), though the frequency varies by age and gender. While boys are more vulnerable in the first few months, especially if they are not circumcised, girls are more likely to get UTIs, especially after the first year of life. In children who are feverish, the prevalence of UTIs can vary from 2.9% to 7.5%. In order to avoid long-term issues like kidney scarring and hypertension, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. However, when it comes to children of younger ages, it is often challenging for parents to know whether their baby has UTI or not. So, what are the signs you should look for in children when it comes to UTI? Dr Preeti Sharma, Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Ankura Hospital, Hyderabad, explains for you:

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How Do I Know If My Baby has a UTI?

Dr Preeti says If your baby exhibits any of the following signs, they may have a urinary tract infection:

• A fever of at least 100.4°F
• Weeping while urinating
• Urine that is bloody, hazy, and/or smells bad
• Anger without a known reason
• Throwing up
• Not eating
• Fever or feeling a little ill are frequently the only signs of a UTI in babies.

What To Do When Your Baby Has A UTI?

Consult a paediatrician if you think your child might have a UTI. He or she will take a urine sample from your infant, preferably by passing a tiny catheter through the urethra, the pee channel, and test it for bacteria. The test may not detect an infection for up to two days. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics if your baby has an infection. Even if your child appears to be improving, it is crucial to administer all of the antibiotics prescribed to them.

Following is the list of good practices Dr Preeti suggests: 

Promote Appropriate Hydration: Make sure your child consumes a lot of water all day long. Frequent urination, encouraged by adequate hydration, aids in the removal of bacteria from the urinary tract before they have a chance to cause infection. Low fluid intake has been linked in studies to a higher risk of UTIs in children.

Teach the Right Wiping Method: After using the restroom, teach your child—especially girls—to wipe from front to back. This stops the introduction of bacteria from the anal area, like E. coli, to the urethra, which is a common cause of urinary tract infections. This practice is emphasised by the American Academy of Paediatrics as a crucial preventive measure.

Encourage dependable bathroom practices: Urinate frequently (every two to three hours) and discourage your child from holding pee for extended periods of time.

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Maintain Proper Genital Hygiene: Instruct your child on how to keep their genital area dry and clean. Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths, which can upset the natural flora and irritate the urethra, and instead use gentle, fragrance-free soap and water when taking a bath. If age-appropriate, gently clean under the foreskin of uncircumcised boys.

Select Breathable Clothes: Since damp conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria, dress your child in loose-fitting cotton pants and steer clear of tight clothing that retains moisture. The risk of bacterial growth in the genital area is also decreased by quickly changing out of sweaty clothing or wet swimsuits.

Conclusion

Bacteria in the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine), or bladder are typically the cause of UTIs. The body can occasionally get rid of these bacteria on its own, but when it can't, the bacteria can accumulate and lead to an infection. When a baby is wiped from back to front or has a dirty nappy, bacteria and other pathogens can enter the urinary tract. UTIs can be avoided by practicing and teaching children good hygiene and keeping them hydrated.