Fever lasts over 48 hours after starting the antibiotic
Vomiting and can't keep down the antibiotic
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
Pain, burning or stinging when passing urine
Suspect pain if a young child starts to cry while passing urine
The feeling of "can't wait" to pass urine may occur. This is called urgency.
Passing urine more often than normal. This is called frequency.
New onset of day or night-time wetting
Pain in the lower abdomen may also be reported. If the kidney is infected, the pain is in the flank. The flank is the side right below the ribs.
UTIs are a common cause of unexplained fevers in young children.
The urine may be cloudy and have a bad odor. Sometimes, there is some blood in the urine.
Causes
UTIs are caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra into the bladder.
Sometimes, it starts with irritation of the penis opening. Bubble bath or rubbing with soap can do this.
A rare cause is not emptying the bladder all the way. Reason: Urine that stays in the bladder too long can become infected.
Cystitis is not common in males. This gender difference may reflect the much shorter length of the female urethra.
Diagnosis
A clean catch urine sample needs to be tested. A UTI is confirmed by finding white blood cells in the urine. A positive culture for bacteria is also required.
Prevention of Recurrent UTIs in Boys
When your child bathes, cleanse the genital area with warm water. (Soap is not needed until after puberty)
Don't use bubble bath, shampoo or other soaps in the bath water. (Reason: They are irritants.)
Drink enough fluids each day to keep the urine light-colored.
Urinate at least every 4 hours during the day and avoid "holding back."
Avoid constipation.
After Care Advice
Overview:
Bladder infections are rare in boys.
Stool holding can be a cause. Reason: These children also often hold back urine.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Antibiotic by Mouth:
UTIs need a prescription for an antibiotic.
The antibiotic will kill the bacteria that are causing the bladder infection.
Give the antibiotic as directed.
Try not to forget any of the doses.
Give the antibiotic until it is gone. Reason: To keep the bladder infection from flaring up again.
Pain Medicine:
For pain when passing urine, give a pain medicine.
Give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Use as needed.
Fever:
For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Give More Fluids:
Give extra fluids to drink. Cranberry juice may be helpful.
Reason: Dilutes the urine so that it does not sting.
What to Expect:
Fever is usually gone in 24 hours.
Pain and frequency are usually much better in 48 hours.
Return to School:
Even if your child has a bladder infection, it cannot be spread to others.
Your child does not need to miss any school or child care.
