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

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

In babies, a urinary tract infection can manifest itself as a poor general condition with crying and restlessness. Babies can be sensitive to touch. High fever, diarrhea and vomiting are also possible signs of a urinary tract infection.

The urine smell or the smell of the diaper may be foul. A weakness in drinking is also possible and should be taken seriously, as the baby cannot take in enough liquid and food. In general, fever is a common symptom in babies.

The presence of fever alone does not indicate a urinary tract infection. Many other sources of infection are also possible. However, caution is advised if there are accompanying symptoms that are typical of a urinary tract infection.

High fever can indicate that the infection has spread beyond the bladder or even lead to blood poisoning as a result of the urinary tract infection. In this case, a visit to the pediatrician or a pediatric emergency room is essential. An antibiotic therapy is necessary.

Treatment

As a rule, treatment with an antibiotic is essential, especially for babies. Taking it leads to a rapid improvement of the symptoms and the general condition. Accompanying measures can be taken to reduce fever, such as the administration of ibuprofen or paracetamol juice.

Care should be taken to ensure that the baby drinks enough. A lot of fluid helps to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract and the bladder. If you are still breastfeeding your baby, this is sufficient.

You should also make sure that the baby is dressed warmly enough and does not freeze. Warm sitz baths in chamomile tea can also support recovery.If the child’s symptoms are very pronounced or the disease is very severe, treatment in hospital may be necessary. Here it is possible to administer antibiotics through the vein and also to keep a better eye on the baby’s fluid balance.

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 supportively. Refusing antibiotics carries the risk of spreading the germs. It can lead to kidney involvement with permanent kidney damage.

Most urinary tract infections in babies require treatment with an antibiotic. It is feared that the bacteria will rise up to the kidneys. This can lead to an inflammation of the renal pelvis and permanent damage to the kidney.

Since the kidney is not yet fully mature, it can be impaired later in life. The rising of the bacteria also carries the risk of urosepsis, i.e. blood poisoning caused by germs from the urinary tract. In most cases antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins are used. They can be administered either as a juice or, in hospital, also intravenously.