UTI in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

Why UTIs in Children Are Often Missed

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common bacterial infection in children (after ear infections). They are frequently missed in infants and young children because classic symptoms (burning urination) cannot be communicated. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney scarring and long-term renal problems.

Symptoms by Age

Infants (<2 years)

• Unexplained fever — "fever without source" in infants should prompt urine testing
• Poor feeding, fussiness, vomiting
• Foul-smelling urine
• Failure to thrive

Older Children

• Burning or pain with urination
• Frequent urination (urinary frequency)
• Urgency — can't hold urine
• Bedwetting in a previously dry child
• Lower abdominal or flank pain
• Fever (indicates kidney involvement — pyelonephritis)

Diagnosis

• Urine routine and microscopy: WBCs, bacteria
• Urine culture: identifies organism and antibiotic sensitivity (gold standard)
• Infants under 2 with confirmed UTI: ultrasound kidneys and bladder

Treatment

• Antibiotics for 7–14 days (based on culture sensitivity)
• Adequate hydration
• First UTI in boys at any age, or UTI in girls under 2 — needs ultrasound and possible MCUG (micturating cystourethrogram) to exclude vesicoureteric reflux (VUR)