[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/03\/does-my-child-have-a-uti\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/03\/does-my-child-have-a-uti\/","headline":"How Do I Know if My Child Has a UTI?","name":"How Do I Know if My Child Has a UTI?","description":"A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a very common infection among children. Learn more about UTIs, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.","datePublished":"2014-03-01","dateModified":"2020-09-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pediatrics","name":"Pediatrics","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/pediatrics","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/pediatrics\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/how-do-I-know-if-my-child-has-a-uti.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/how-do-I-know-if-my-child-has-a-uti.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/03\/does-my-child-have-a-uti\/","about":["Pediatrics"],"wordCount":342,"keywords":["abdominal pain","bacterial infection","chills","diarrhea","fever","kidney infection","pediatric urinary tract infection","UTI"],"articleBody":"A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection along the urinary tract. UTIs are the most frequently occurring serious bacterial infection in infants and young children and the number one reason infants present to the emergency room with a high fever.What are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?Each child may experience symptoms differently and many symptoms of a UTI may resemble other conditions or medical problems. The following are the most common symptoms of a UTI:UTI symptoms in babiesFeverAbdominal painAbdominal fullnessFoul-smelling urinePoor growthWeight loss or failure to gain weightIrritabilityVomitingPoor feedingDiarrheaUTI symptoms in \u00a0older childrenUrgency to urinateIncontinence during day and\/or nightFrequent urinationPainful or difficult urinationDiscomfort above the pubic boneBlood in the urineFoul-smelling urineNausea and\/or vomitingFeverChillsPain in the back or side below the ribsFatigueSmall amounts of urine while voiding despite feeling of urgencyHow are UTIs Diagnosed in Infants\u00a0and Children?Your child’s doctor may diagnose a urinary tract infection based on physical examination and a description of symptoms. Other studies may include a urinalysis (a laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein) and culture that will detect the presence of an infection.What is the Treatment for a UTI in Children and Infants?Specific treatment for a urinary tract infection will be determined by your child’s doctor and can be individualized to your child. Treatment may include:AntibioticsA heating pad or medications (to relieve pain)Increased fluid intake (especially water)Although most UTIs are not serious problems, recurring UTIs may lead to kidney infections. Children are at greater risk for kidney infections, which may cause kidney scarring, poor kidney function, and other problems. Recurrent UTIs may also be a sign of urinary system abnormalities. If your child has an UTI a doctor should be consulted for treatment and to rule out any more serious issues."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How Do I Know if My Child Has a UTI?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/03\/does-my-child-have-a-uti\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]