The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Untreated urinary tract infections can cause kidney scarring, so early diagnosis is critical.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Urinary Tract Infection in Children?

Pediatric UTI is most often caused by E. coli and presents as either bladder infection (cystitis) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis). It is one of the most common causes of unexplained fever in infants; UTI should be considered when an infant cries inconsolably or fails to respond to antipyretics.

After the first UTI, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) — urinary backflow from the bladder to the kidney — should be investigated. Recurrent infections and high-grade VUR can cause kidney scarring.

Diagnosis is made by clinical findings, urinalysis, and culture. A sterile urine sample obtained by catheterization or suprapubic aspiration is the gold standard, especially in infants.

Symptoms

Unexplained fever (especially in infants)
Burning during urination and increased frequency
Lower abdominal pain and groin pain
Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
Flank pain and high fever (pyelonephritis)
Urinary leakage or nighttime incontinence

Risk Factors

Female sex (urethral anatomy)
Uncircumcised male infant
Vesicoureteral reflux
Constipation
Dysfunctional voiding
Urinary tract anomalies

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When unexplained fever develops in a baby younger than 2 years
  • When burning urination and frequency occur together
  • If high fever and flank pain are present (suspected pyelonephritis)
  • If antibiotic therapy fails to produce improvement within 48-72 hours
  • For imaging evaluation after a second UTI

Treatment Methods

01
Antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or cephalosporin (per sensitivity)
02
Pyelonephritis: IV/IM ceftriaxone or aminoglycoside, then oral completion
03
Plenty of fluids and frequent voiding
04
If VUR is detected: prophylactic antibiotics or endoscopic/surgical treatment
05
Bladder dysfunction work-up in recurrent UTI
06
Treatment of constipation: reduces UTI risk

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.