Baby girls are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTI), says Hannah Duncan, Lead Midwife and Nurse Manager at Nightingale Healthcare Services. And while it’s common in all infants, when it comes to boys, uncircumcised boys are at slightly higher risk than other male babies.
Wondering why your baby is so susceptible to UTIs?
Dr Swathy Wilson, General Practitioner at UAE-based Bareen International Hospital, explains that sometimes it’s a structural irregularity in the urinary system that make them more susceptible to UTIs.
Sometimes it’s a structural irregularity in the urinary system that make them more susceptible to UTIs.
It may also just be a result of a weak immune system that’s prone to infection.
Dr Sumithra Mani, Specialist Paediatrician at Aster Hospital, adds: “Bacteria in the anus (faecal flora) and vagina may travel up the urethra and infect the bladder, ureters, and kidneys.”
Bacteria in the anus (faecal flora) and vagina may travel up the urethra and infect the bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
What causes it?
The most common reason is poor toilet hygiene, say the doctors. Other factors include:
Children not urinating when their bladders are full: “Stasis and stagnation of urine in the bladder for a prolonged period encourage the growth of bacteria and cause UTIs. Frequent emptying of the bladder helps to prevent this,” explains Dr Mani.
Spread of other infection: “Children also get UTIs from primary infective sources in the rest of the body like ear infections, chest infections, etc. Infection is carried by the blood to the renal system. The prompt treatment of the primary infection may help prevent this,” she adds.
Signs your child may have a UTI
Keep a lookout for the following red flags, says Dr Wilson:
- Crying during urination,
- Vomiting,
- Fever (100.4⁰F or more),
- Cloudy urine,
- Blood in urine,
- Urine that smells foul,
- Refusing to eat, and
- Irritability.
Children don’t usually manifest typical urinary symptoms of UTI, warns Dr Mani. The most common presentation is fever. “Frequent passing of urine or rushing to pass urine and having to go immediately upon the sensation of wanting to pass urine may also happen,” she says.
If the child has loin pain along with a high temperature, it indicates that the kidneys have been compromised.
How to treat UTIs in infants
It begins by confirming diagnosis through tests. Dr Mani explains that these tests may include:
- Dipstick test,
- Urine microscopy, and/or
- Urine culture.
“We will start antibiotics empirically while awaiting lab tests,” she adds.
Once an infection is detected, other tests may be conducted such as an ultrasound or detailed radiological tests.
How long does the course of antibiotics last?
Dr Mani says: “Antibiotics will be continued for seven to 10 days (longer in some circumstances). In some cases, intravenous antibiotics may be needed.”
How to change a baby’s diaper
How you clean and swap out a clean diaper can make a major difference in bacterial spread. Duncan suggests the following technique:
Using the wet washcloth, cotton balls, or baby wipes, gently wipe your baby clean from the front to the back.
Wipe front to back: Using the wet washcloth, cotton balls, or baby wipes, gently wipe your baby clean from the front to the back (never wipe from back to front, especially on girls, or you could spread the bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections).
Lift the legs: You might want to lift your baby's legs by the ankles to get underneath.
“Research and evidence shows us that among infants wearing disposable diapers, there is an increased risk of UTI as the frequency of changing diapers decreases. Therefore, frequent changing of diapers is paramount [every two to three hours or after every bowel movement],” she adds.
Dr Mani explains that the changer’s hand hygiene matters too. “One should wash their hands and ensure nails are cut short. They should not be wearing finger rings or bangles to avoid injuries and subsequent infection,” she says.
She adds: “Dab dry with a soft and non-abrasive clean cloth. Apply barrier cream in case of any redness or nappy rash. Mild emollient may be used.”
When should you see a doctor?
“One must consult a paediatrician if there is any persistent redness, wetness, or skin breakage,” says Dr Mani.
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