Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection

•   Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of urinary system such as kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
•  Most infections involve the lower urinary tract the bladder and the urethra

 Causes of UTI in Under Five Children

1.   Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that live in the digestive system
2.  The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) cause most UTIs.
3.  Factors that may cause a child to get a UTI include the following:

  - Waiting to urinate-Regular urination helps flush away bacteria. Holding urine allows bacteria to grow.
- Making too little urine- A child that doesn‟t drink enough fluids may not make enough urine to flush away bacteria.
- Constipation-Constipation is a condition in which a child has fewer than two bowel movements a week. Stools can be hard, dry, small, and difficult to pass. The hard stool in the bowel may press against the urinary tract and block the flow of urine, allowing bacteria to grow.

 Signs and Symptoms of UTI in Under Five Children

•   A child with a UTI may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can range from mild to severe.
•  UTI symptoms can vary with the age of the patient.

 Symptoms in Neonates:

1.   Jaundice
2.  Hypothermia or fever
3.  Failure to thrive
4.  Poor feeding
5.  Vomiting

  Symptoms in Infants and older children

1.   Poor feeding
2.  Fever
3. Vomiting, diarrhoea
4. Strong-smelling urine

 Preventive and Control Measures of UTI in Under Five Children

1.  Advise mother on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to promote immune status of the baby
2. Encourage girls to wipe their bottom from front to back to minimize the chances of bacteria entering the urethra
3.  Make sure the child is well hydrated and goes to the toilet regularly
4.  Use loose-fitting cotton underwear instead of nylon and other types of synthetic underwear which promote the growth of bacteria.
5.  Avoid use of scented soaps or bubble baths which can increase the risk of developing (UTI)

Summary

•     Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of urinary system such as kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
•  Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra and the clinical presentation vary from the infants to older children
•  UTI can be prevented by improving the hygiene of the child and insisting on the emptying the