Urinary tract infection in infants and its treatment methods The health of babies is of special importance for families. Among the diseases that may affect babies, urinary tract infection is one of the relatively common problems that if not diagnosed in time can lead to serious and permanent complications such as kidney damage. Urinary tract... In babies, this infection can be mild or very severe and requires careful medical follow-up. From the age of one month, the probability of infection is higher than that of boys. Various factors play a role in the occurrence of this infection: ### Skin and fecal bacteria Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E... coli) that are present in the genital area and diapers can easily migrate to the urinary tract and cause infection... ### Congenital defects of the urinary system Some babies are born with structural problems such as bladder-to-renal reflux (VUR) or urinary tract obstruction, which increase the risk of infection. Babies do not have a mature immune system, so they are more vulnerable to infection. In uncircumcised boys, the risk of bacterial growth and transfer to the urinary tract is higher... Symptoms of urinary tract infection in infants... It is difficult to diagnose this disease because its symptoms are often non-specific.. The most important symptoms are: - Fever above 38 degrees without clear cause Restlessness, excessive crying, or mood swings - Weakness or loss of appetite - Vomiting or diarrhea - Odor or change in color of urine Abnormal lethargy and sleepiness - Bloody or cloudy urine - Losing weight or stopping growth - Prolonged jaundice in babies Methods of diagnosing urinary tract infection in infants ### Urine sampling Bladder catheterization: the most accurate method for collecting urine samples in infants - Sampling with a urine collection bag: it is less accurate, but it is used in special cases ### Diagnostic tests - Complete urine test (UA): checking the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells and nitrites - Urine culture: detection of bacterial type and drug sensitivity ### Medical imaging - Kidney and bladder ultrasound: investigation of kidney structure and possible disorders - VCUG (cavity cystography): checking the presence of urine reflux - DMSA scan: examination of kidney damage Treatment of urinary tract infection in infants ### Primary treatment - Treatment often starts with injectable antibiotics in the hospital, especially in babies under 2 months old or babies who are very sick.... - Once the condition improves, treatment is continued with oral antibiotics.... ### Common drugs - Ampicillin + Gentamicin (injection) - Cefotaxime or cefepime (injection in special cases) cefixime or amoxicillin (oral) ### Duration of treatment - The treatment continues for 7 to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.... ### Treatment follow-up - After completing the treatment, the urine culture test is repeated to ensure the complete removal of the infection... - In some cases, re-imaging is recommended.... Possible complications of untreated urinary tract infection - permanent damage to the kidneys (kidney scar) - High blood pressure in the future - Kidney failure - Frequent urinary infections - Decreased physical growth of the child ### Home care with drug treatment - Sufficient fluid intake (in babies, breast milk or formula) - Accurate control of fever with appropriate drugs Paying attention to the color, smell of urine and the frequency of urination of the baby - Hygiene of the diaper area - In case of recurrence of symptoms, see a doctor Prevention of urinary tract infection in infants ### Health - Changing diapers on time - Washing hands before and after changing diapers - Completely drying the genital area after washing ### Caring for uncircumcised boys - More hygiene in uncircumcised boys to prevent the accumulation of bacteria ### Prevention of constipation - Constipation reduces the complete emptying of the bladder and increases the risk of infection.... ### Medical advice in case of suspicious symptoms - No delay in seeing a doctor if you see symptoms of fever or restlessness List of care after urinary tract infection in babies ### Drug treatment - Full use of antibiotics according to the doctor's order (even if the symptoms have improved) - Repeat urine culture according to the doctor's plan... - Check the results of kidney and bladder ultrasound (if requested by the doctor)... - Regular and fast changing of diapers... - Washing with lukewarm water and completely drying the area.... ### Nutrition and fluids - Complete feeding with breast milk or appropriate formula.... - Consult a doctor about increasing fluid intake in older babies.... ### Controlling warning signs - Paying attention to the return of fever... - Paying attention to the abnormal smell or change in the color of urine... - Check for symptoms of restlessness or anorexia... ### Regular visits to the doctor... - Periodic visits to assess the growth and health of the kidneys... - Advice on the need for preventive treatments or more specialized follow-ups... - Ensuring regular bowel movements... - Consultation with a pediatrician in Tehran about methods to prevent infant constipation... ### Special care for boys - Observance of more hygiene tips to prevent the accumulation of germs under the foreskin... Should all babies with fever be examined for urinary tract infections? Yes, especially in babies under 3 months, fever may be the only sign of a UTI. Is urinary tract infection dangerous in babies? Yes, if it is not treated in time, it can damage the kidneys and cause serious problems.. Is urinary infection in babies reversible?. Yes, some babies with structural problems or immunodeficiencies are more likely to get recurrent infections. Is long-term use of antibiotics recommended to prevent infection? In some babies with severe abnormalities of the urinary tract, the doctor may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, but it should be done according to the expert's opinion. #### Summary Urinary tract infection in babies is an important disease that requires full awareness of parents, quick diagnosis and correct treatment... By observing health principles, following up carefully and visiting a pediatrician if you see the first symptoms, you can prevent the long-term complications of this disease... The health of babies is the future of families. So it is very important to take care of the smallest signs... To make an appointment and visit Dr. Mehdi Afshari's office, call 02166602506.