Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of UTIs in children can vary depending on the child's age and the location of the infection. Common symptoms of UTIs in children include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Foul-smelling urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Blood in the urine
- Bedwetting in children who have previously been toilet trained
Causes:
The most common cause of UTIs in children is bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel to the bladder. The bacteria can come from the skin around the child's genitals, the rectal area, or from other parts of the body. Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs in children include:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Constipation
- Enlarged prostate in boys
- Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a condition in which urine flows back from the bladder into the ureters
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, that can weaken the immune system