ON these hot days in Solomon Islands, children are sweating a lot. If they are not having the habit of drinking water on time or holding urine in class, girls not taking much care of their vulva, or boys having phimosis, a common urinary tract disorder – urinary tract infection is ensuing.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a fairly common condition. Bacteria that enter the urethra are usually flushed out through urination. However, when bacteria aren’t expelled out of the urethra, they may grow within the urinary tract. This causes an infection.
The urinary tract consists of the parts of the body that are involved in urine production. They are:
• two kidneys that filter your blood and extra water to produce urine
• two ureters, or tubes, that take urine to your bladder from your kidneys
• a bladder that stores your urine until its removed from your body
• a urethra, or tube, that empties urine from your bladder to outside your body
A UTI is an invasion of the urinary system by bacteria, which presents with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, discomfort or pain during urination, even lower back pain, fever, and blood urine, etc. In this condition, you are suggested to see doctors promptly and check the urine. If the urine test shows an increase in white blood cells or a positive nitrite test, urinary tract infection is highly considered. But the most accurate method of diagnosis is urine culture.
For UTIs, antibiotic treatment is required, usually with third-generation cephalosporin. Acute infections usually recover quickly after treatment, but there are a few recurrent infections that require further examination. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment of a UTI in your child can prevent serious, long-term medical complications. Untreated, a UTI can result in a kidney infection that may lead to more serious conditions, such as:
• kidney abscess
• reduced kidney function or kidney failure
• hydronephrosis, or swelling of the kidneys
• sepsis, which can lead to organ failure and death
In order to stay from these severe complications that arise from UTIs, we know that prevention is important for the health of our Children. In the next issue, I will share with you some tips to prevent UTIs.
CHINA Medical Team
（Translated by HUANG BAILIN, International Office, Guizhou Medical University）
