A UTI is when bacteria gets into your urine and travels up to your bladder. As many as 8 in 100 girls and 2 in 100 boys will get UTIs. Young children have a greater risk of kidney damage linked to UTI than older children or adults, as a parent, it can be scary to see your child in discomfort or pain.

UTIs can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms and if left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious health problems.

It's important to know how to identify UTIs in kids so you can seek treatment right away.

Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Frequent urination: If your child is suddenly needing to use the bathroom more often than usual, this could be a sign of a UTI. They may also complain of a burning sensation while urinating.

2. Painful urination: Along with the burning sensation, your child may also experience pain or discomfort when urinating.

3. Foul-smelling urine: UTIs can cause urine to have a strong, unpleasant odour. You may notice that your child's urine smells different than usual.

4. Blood in urine: In some cases, a UTI can cause blood to appear in your child's urine. This can be a scary sight, but it's important to stay calm and seek medical attention.

5. Abdominal pain: UTIs can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen or back. Your child may also have a fever, which is a sign of an infection.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to the doctor right away. A UTI can be diagnosed with a simple urine test and treated with antibiotics ( which have been prescribed by a medical professional). It's important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which can cause more serious health problems.

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Can UTIs be Prevented in Children?

If your child has a normal urinary tract, certain habits can help prevent UTIs. Draining the bladder often is one of the ways the body defends itself against UTIs. Drinking more fluids will increase urine flow to flush infection out of the body. 

In babies and small children, changing diapers more often can help prevent UTIs. When children start toilet training, it is important to teach them good bathroom habits. After each bowel movement, girls should wipe from front to rear — not rear to front. This keeps germs from spreading from the anus to the urethra. 

Children should also avoid holding it in if they need to urinate and can reach a bathroom. Urine sitting in the bladder for too long gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Avoid using harsh soaps or bubble baths that can irritate the urinary tract.

In conclusion, UTIs can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for kids, but with early identification and treatment, they can be easily treated.

As a parent, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of UTIs so you can get your child the care they need. By practising good hygiene and staying hydrated, you can also help prevent UTIs from occurring in the first place.

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