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UTIs

A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is an infection of the bladder or kidneys. It is caused by bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. Bladder infections are far more common than kidney infections; kidney infections are more serious and may need treatment with antibiotics through a drip in their vein

 About 8 in every 100 girls and 2 in every 100 boys will have had a urinary tract infection by the time they are 7 years old.

What are the symptoms?

It can be difficult to tell when a child has a UTI, especially if they are very young. The symptoms can vary depending on your child's age and the severity of the infection. Features suggesting a bladder infection include:

  • Pain or stinging when passing urine
  • Passing urine more often than normal
  • Crying when passing urine
  • Refusing to pass urine

If the following features are also present, your child might have a kidney infection:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Back or tummy pain

When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following features:

  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels extremely cold to touch
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Has blue lips or pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (see the 'Glass Test')
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following features:

  • Is struggling to take their antibiotics or not keeping them down due to vomiting
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or not had many wet nappies)
  • Starts to complain of pain in the back
  • Starts getting uncontrollable shakes (rigors)
  • Seems to be getting worse despite being on antibiotics for more than 2 days
  • Is between 3-6 months of age with a temperature over 39°C
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

We recognise that at peak times, access to a health care professional may be delayed. If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, then consider taking them to your nearest Emergency Department

  • None of the features above

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

  • Doctor's and nurses are advised to collect a mid-stream, "clean catch" urine sample from the presentiing child.

AVOID

  • Wide bag samples
  • Cotton Wool samples
  • Samples in containers

These methods result in contaminated samples and lead to inapporpriate invitigation and management

Follow NICE Guidelines

Eric The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

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