What causes UTI?
UTI occurs when bacteria—often found in the skin around the anus—make their way into the child’s bladder or kidneys. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), 3 percent of children in the US suffer from UTI each year. UTI is a potentially serious health condition, so have your child checked by a physician if you suspect him or her of having it.
Other symptoms of UTI
Aside from foul-smelling urine, the symptoms of UTI include fever, pain when urinating, and excessive irritability. Depending on the condition’s severity, the urine may also be cloudy or have a reddish tinge. Increased urine frequency is another symptom of UTI.
Confirming UTI
To confirm UTI, a pediatrician will typically have a urine sample tested for the presence of bacteria. Once confirmed, the doctor will generally provide treatment in the form of antibiotics.