Urinary tract infection in the baby

definition

A urinary tract infection in a baby is a bacterial infection of the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureter and also the kidney. Popularly, the disease is usually referred to as cystitis. A urinary tract infection has classic symptoms, but atypical symptoms are also possible in babies.
Infancy is one of the two high points of urinary tract infections. Girls are more often affected than boys. A urinary tract infection may require hospital treatment, especially in babies who are still very young.

Read more on the subject at: Cystitis in the baby

causes

The cause of a urinary tract infection in a baby is an infection with bacteria. The enterobacteria group should be mentioned here in particular. In 80% of cases, a urinary tract infection is caused by the E. coli bacterium. The bacteria that come from the intestine get from the anus to the area of ​​the urethra e.g. from incorrect wiping after a bowel movement or incorrect washing. From the urethra, the pathogens can ascend into the bladder and other urinary tract. Since girls have a short urethra, the risk of a urinary tract infection is greater than that of boys.

Malformations of the lower urinary tract such as a narrowing of the ureter can lead to urinary tract infections. The malformations result in incomplete emptying of the bladder and backflow of urine. A urinary tract infection in babies should always be seen as an indication of a possible malformation.
Children who have a urinary catheter for a variety of reasons are at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections.

diagnosis

If there is a suspicion of a urinary tract infection in the baby, a pediatrician should definitely be seen. He can obtain a urine sample and examine it. There are special urine bags that are glued into the diaper for collection. Alternatively, parents can bring a urine sample from home in a clean container. In the urine, the white blood cells (Leukocytes), red blood cells (Erythrocytes), Protein and nitrite can be determined. The urine can also be used to culture to grow bacteria.

Read more on the subject at: Urinalysis

Especially in babies, a urinary tract infection can indicate a malformation in the area of ​​the lower urinary tract. Therefore, an ultrasound of the lower urinary tract can be performed. If indications of a malformation are discovered here, further diagnostics should be carried out.
If the general condition of the child is poor, a blood test can be carried out and the inflammation values ​​and blood count can be checked.

What symptoms can I tell if my baby has a urinary tract infection?

The classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection are a burning sensation and pain when urinating, accompanied by frequent urination. However, these symptoms may be absent, especially in babies. The symptoms are rather unspecific and are therefore sometimes classified as symptoms of teething.

In babies, a urinary tract infection can manifest itself as a poor general condition with crying and restlessness. The babies can be sensitive to touch. High fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are also possible signs of a urinary tract infection. The smell of urine or the smell of the diaper may be foul. Drinking weakness is also possible and should be taken seriously as the baby cannot consume enough fluids and food.

fever

In general, fever is a common symptom in babies. The presence of a fever alone is not indicative of a urinary tract infection. Many other sources of infection are also possible.

However, if accompanying symptoms that are typical of a urinary tract infection occur, caution is advised. A high fever can indicate spread beyond the bladder or even blood poisoning as a result of the urinary tract infection. In this case, a visit to the pediatrician or a child emergency room is essential. Antibiotic therapy is necessary.

Read more on the subject at: Fever in baby

treatment

As a rule, treatment with an antibiotic is essential, especially for babies. The ingestion leads to a rapid improvement in the symptoms and general condition. Accompanying measures can be taken to reduce the fever, such as the administration of ibuprofen or paracetamol juice. Care should be taken to ensure that the baby drinks enough. Lots of fluids help flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract and bladder. If you are still breastfeeding your child, this is sufficient.
In addition, it should be ensured that the baby is dressed warmly enough and does not freeze. Warm Sitz baths in chamomile tea can also aid recovery.

If the child's symptoms are very pronounced or the disease is very pronounced, hospital treatment may be necessary. Here it is possible to administer antibiotics via the vein and also to keep an eye on the baby's fluid balance.

homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment is generally possible. However, this should be discussed with the treating pediatrician and possibly supplemented with antibiotic therapy. Caution is also advised with home remedies. Substances from pumpkin extract, other herbal remedies and teas can be used as support. Refusing antibiosis carries the risk of the germs spreading. Kidney involvement with permanent kidney damage can occur.

When do you need an antibiotic?

Most babies' urinary tract infections require treatment with an antibiotic. It is feared that the bacteria will rise up to the kidneys. This can lead to inflammation of the kidney pelvis and permanent damage to the kidney. Since the kidney is not yet fully developed, it can have impairments later in life.
The rise of the bacteria also harbors the risk of urosepsis, i.e. blood poisoning by germs from the urinary tract.

In most cases, antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins are used. They can be given intravenously either as juice or in the hospital.

Duration

The antibiotic should usually be taken over 7-10 days. After just a few days of use, the fever will decrease and the general condition will improve. It is still important to take the antibiotic to the end, otherwise it can relapse due to remaining bacteria. Another danger is the development of germs resistant to the antibiotic.

How can I prevent urinary tract infections in babies?

In order to prevent urinary tract infections in babies, it is important to ensure that they drink enough water. If the baby is still breastfed, the fluid intake through breast milk is sufficient.
Care should also be taken to wipe the baby's bottom from front to back. Care should also be taken when washing the baby. Regularly changing diapers, especially after a bowel movement, can also prevent a urinary tract infection in the baby.

Is a urinary tract infection contagious in babies?

A urinary tract infection in a baby is not contagious. So there is no need to avoid contact with other babies or children.