If a toddler needs to urinate more frequently or complains about pain during urination, she may have a urinary tract infection. It's easy to overlook more subtle signs, especially in children who are not yet able to talk.
Significance
Approximately 8 percent of girls and 2 percent of boys will have a urinary tract infection during their childhood. Symptoms of infection, especially in younger toddlers, can be very vague and might include irritability and nausea.
Features
A toddler with a urinary tract infection might change her normal urinary patterns, cry when urinating, exhibit vaginal irritation or redness, or be reluctant to urinate.
Identification
If you notice a reddish tint or dark color to your child's urine or if he complains about back pain, call the doctor immediately. These symptoms can signify blood in the urine and a possible kidney infection.
Considerations
Urinary tract infections are present in about 5 percent of toddlers who have a fever but no other symptoms. If your child has a high unexplained fever, take her to the doctor so that a urinalysis can be performed.
Permanent Kidney Damage
According to DrSpock.com, children under the age of 2 are most vulnerable to permanent kidney damage from untreated urinary tract infections.
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