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PEDIATRIC UTIs &

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids. They happen when bacteria gets into the bladder or kidneys.

There are two types of UTIs: bladder infection and kidney infection

UTIs happen more often in girls than in boys. As many as 8 in 100 girls and 2 in 100 boys will get UTIs.

SIGNS OF UTIs IN KIDS

Complaining of pain, burning or a stinging sensation when urinating

Needing to urinate more often, but only passing a few drops

Fever


Crying when he or she urinates

Trouble controlling urine and having accidents or wetting the bed

Foul-smelling urine that may look cloudy or have blood in it

The only way to diagnose a UTI is with a urine test and most UTIs are treated with antibiotics. 

Common Causes of
UTIs in Children

  • Blockage in the Urinary Tract

    Urine flow may get blocked at places in the urinary tract because of abnormal narrow areas in the urinary tract that prevent the normal flow of urine. 

  • Bladder and Bowel Problems

    Bladder and bowel problems are an important and often overlooked factor in the cause of UTIs in kids.

  • Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

    When urine flows backward (reflux) from the bladder up the ureters to the kidneys. This urine may carry bacteria and cause a kidney infection. Many kids with a UTI are found to have it.

VUR can be treated with antibiotics. If more severe, surgery may be needed.

The chances of getting VUR go up if the child’s parents or siblings have had the condition. 

For more information on Pediatric Urology, visit the Urology Care Foundation’s website: UrologyHealth.org

UrologyHealth.org  |  WINTER 2018-2019  |  UROLOGYHEALTH extra