Yes, children can definitely get UTIs, and they’re more common than many parents realize. About 3-5% of girls and 1% of boys will experience a UTI during childhood. However, recognizing UTIs in children can be challenging because symptoms often differ from those in adults.
In infants and very young children (under 2), UTI symptoms are often non-specific and can mimic other illnesses:
- Fever (sometimes the only symptom)
- Irritability and unexplained crying
- Poor feeding or vomiting
- Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
- Strong-smelling urine
- Failure to thrive or gain weight appropriately
In older children who can communicate better, symptoms more closely resemble adult UTIs:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination or urgency
- New episodes of bedwetting in toilet-trained children
- Abdominal, back, or flank pain
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong urine odor
Girls are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra and proximity to the anal area. In boys, UTIs are more common in infants (often due to anatomical abnormalities) and become rare after the first year unless there are underlying issues.Â
Factors that increase UTI risk in children include:
- Constipation (very common contributor)
- Poor bathroom hygiene
- “Holding” urine too long
- Bubble baths or harsh soaps
- Tight-fitting clothing
- Infrequent diaper changes in babies
UTIs in children require prompt treatment to prevent kidney damage. Unlike adults, children with UTIs typically need follow-up imaging to check for underlying anatomical problems.
If you suspect your child has a UTI, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. ChatRx can help assess your child’s symptoms and determine if immediate medical evaluation is needed or if the symptoms suggest something else.Â
