Urinary Tract Infections in Children May Lead to Kidney Damage
Protecting the urinary tract plays a critical role in children's healthy growth and development. Urinary tract infections, which are particularly common in children, not only cause temporary complaints such as difficulty urinating, fever and irritability, but can also lead to permanent kidney damage if not treated in time.
Protection of the urinary tract plays a critical role in healthy growth and development in children. Urinary tract infections, which are common in children, not only cause temporary complaints such as difficulty urinating, fever and discomfort; if left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys.
Prof. Dr. Özlem Aydoğ, Pediatrics Specialist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, emphasizes the vital importance of early diagnosis and treatment in urinary tract infections in children:
"If there is an underlying functional or structural abnormality in the urinary system; especially in cases of recurrent febrile upper urinary tract infection, the risk of kidney damage is high. In our country, the most common cause of irreversible chronic kidney failure is these conditions. Therefore, early detection of the infection and underlying abnormalities and appropriate treatment is very important for kidney health."
Second Most Common Infection in Children
Urinary tract infection, which means infection of the urinary system (urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys), stands out as the second most common type of infection in childhood after upper respiratory tract infections. E. coli bacteria plays a role in more than 80% of this infection, which is frequently encountered especially in infants and children during toilet training.
More Common in Girls
Urinary tract infection is more common in boys during the first 6 months of life due to a weak immune system and the ease of bacterial proliferation under the foreskin. However, after the 6th month, the infection is more common in girls due to the short urethra and its proximity to the anus.
Watch Out for the 3 Most Common Causes!
Three basic factors stand out in the development of infection:
- Drinking too little water
- Holding urine (not urinating frequently and completely)
- Constipation
Prof. Dr. Özlem Aydoğ notes that these conditions facilitate bacterial adhesion to the urinary system and increase infection risk.
Risk Factors
- Bathing by sitting in the tub
- Swimming in unclean pools
- Unnecessary antibiotic use
- Genital hygiene with perfumed/alcoholic cleaners or wet wipes
In addition; bladder dysfunction, backflow of urine to the kidneys (reflux), strictures and stones and other structural problems can also lead to infection.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
- Bad odor, cloudiness or blood in urine
- Burning, pain during urination
- Frequent urination and urine incontinence
- Lower abdominal pain and mild fever
- High fever (above 38.5°C), abdominal and lower back pain, nausea and vomiting
If these symptoms are observed, it is recommended to see a doctor without delay.
Early Treatment Saves Lives
Prof. Dr. Özlem Aydoğ emphasizes that antibiotic treatment must be started as soon as diagnosis is made. Noting that infection can recur in 40-60% of girls and 20-30% of boys following the first infection, Aydoğ states that underlying structural problems must be investigated.
7 Golden Rules to Protect Children
- Ensure they drink plenty of water.
- Make sure they do not hold their urine.
- Monitor daily bowel movements; if necessary, use supportive methods.
- Pay attention to hygiene; avoid perfumed/alcoholic products.
- Prefer showers when bathing.
- Do not take them to pools if you are unsure of their cleanliness.
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
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