Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection can occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract and moves up the urethra into the bladder. Usually, the infection only affects the urinary tract and bladder, causing painful and frequent urination. In severe cases, or when the infection is left untreated, it can move into the kidneys, causing a kidney infection. This is particularly harmful for children, who are at a greater risk of suffering long-term kidney damage following an infection than an adult.

If your child complains of painful urination or frequency, or if your baby or toddler runs a fever for a couple of days with no clear cause, consult with your child's doctor. Urinary tract infections are diagnosed through a urine test, and must be treated with antibiotics.