Today, I will tell you more about urinary tract infections in children and share some preventive tips for your children to stay from them.
As we all know, flowing water is not easily contaminated by bacteria. We can learn from it to prevent urinary tract infections. The urinary system is running like flowing water in which urine originates from the kidneys and travels down through the renal pelvis and ureter to the bladder and it is finally excreted intermittently from the bladder through the urethra. So, it is important to keep urine flowing freely with the right amount to prevent urinary tract infections. That is why drinking less water and holding urine can affect the normal excretion of urine.
For baby girls with poor immunity against infections, UTIs occur more often, especially when toilet training begins. Girls are more susceptible because their urethras are shorter and closer to the anus. When their urethra is contaminated by faeces, it makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra. Uncircumcised boys under 1 year old also have a slightly higher risk of UTIs.
The urethra doesn’t normally harbor bacteria. But certain circumstances can make it easier for bacteria to enter or remain in your child’s urinary tract. The following factors can put your child at a higher risk for a UTI:
• a structural deformity or blockage in one of the organs of the urinary tract
• abnormal function of the urinary tract
• vesicoureteral reflux, a birth defect that results in the abnormal backward flow of urine
• the use of bubbles in baths (for girls)
• tight-fitting clothes (for girls)
• wiping from back to front after a bowel movement
• poor toilet and hygiene habits
• infrequent urination or delaying urination for long periods of time
Therefore, there are some techniques to reduce the possibility of your child developing a UTI.
1. Ensure that your child drinks enough fluids.
2. Don’t give female children bubble baths. They can allow bacteria and soap to enter the urethra.
3. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and underwear for your child, especially girls.
4, Teach older children proper hygiene for maintaining a clean genital area.
5、Change diapers frequently in younger children and keep them clean to prevent faecal contamination of the urethra.
6. Encourage your child to use the bathroom frequently rather than holding in urine.
7. Teach your child safe wiping techniques, especially after bowel movements. Wiping from front to back reduces the likelihood that bacteria from the anus will get transferred into the urethra.
If your little boys or girls have frequent urination, inability to hold urine, pain during urination or unexplained fever, they should be taken to see doctors in time. Doctors of China medical team in Solomon Islands will help your kids closely working with their counterparts in NRH.
China Medical team NRH
（Translated by HUANG BAILIN, International Office, Guizhou Medical University）
