General treatment
The therapy of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection consists primarily of symptomatic treatment. A sufficient amount of drinking is important for this. This “flushes” the urinary tract, including the kidney and the bladder, and is therefore an effective method of fighting the infection with bacteria.
If the cause of fever in children is known, treatment for the elevated temperature is not necessarily necessary, as the fever is also useful in fighting the infection. However, if the temperatures become very high (above 38.5-39°C) or if the children suffer greatly from their listlessness (with possibly loss of appetite, headaches and no desire to drink), treatment with fever reducers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) can be carried out. These drugs also have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect and can thus relieve the symptoms well.
Often a urinary tract infection in children should also be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, gentamycin and ceftriaxone are used. Which antibiotic is chosen usually also depends on which triggering bacterium grows in the urine culture. The antibiotic therapy can be adapted to this. As a tendency, stronger medication must be used for urinary tract infections that also affect the bladder and kidneys than for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in children that only affect the urethra.
Which home remedies can help?
Household remedies can help to reduce the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Many household remedies are suitable here, which encourage children to drink more. While children should normally be offered mainly water and unsweetened tea to drink, fruit juices can also be used in case of fever and urinary tract infection.
Ideally, a fruit juice should be mixed with the same amount of water (sparkling or still, depending on the child’s preference). Because of the sweetness in the drink, children usually drink more than usual. The diet can also be adjusted slightly so that the children take in a lot of liquid with it.
For example, soups are particularly suitable for fever and urinary tract infections in order to optimise the fluid balance. Other household remedies can be used if the child has a fever. For example, calf compresses or a cold washcloth on the forehead can relieve the temperature somewhat.
If the child complains of abdominal pain due to cystitis, a hot water bottle is also a good idea. The hot-water bottle should be half-full at most, then the remaining air should be pressed out and then screwed shut. This prevents the hot-water bottle from bursting if the pressure is too high.
If the children are particularly muddy and cranky, it often also helps to put them on your arm or lap and calm them down with a story or song. Your favourite cuddly toy can also work wonders for sick children. Urinary tract infections in children can also be treated with homeopathic remedies in addition to antibiotic therapy.
Apis is the remedy of choice for stabbing pain. Cantharis can also be taken for pain when urinating. If a cold develops in addition to the urinary tract infection, Dulcamara can be a sensible alternative. Other homeopathic remedies for urinary tract infections include sarsaparilla, pulsatilla and nux vomica.
