Friday, May 31, 2013

Toddler Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

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.

Tags: tract infection, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, complains about, have urinary, have urinary tract, tract infections