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It isn’t just the bouts of a cough and cold that can be an issue with babies these days. One of the other infections that has become very common is UTI symptoms in babies. Imagine, a 6-month-old catching a urinary tract infection (UTI)!? Mostly caused by Escherichia Coli (E-Coli bacteria), it can affect any part of the urinary tract, including kidneys, ureters, the tubes that carry urine to the kidneys, the bladder, and the urethra that carries urine out of the body. The problem with this bacterial infection is that if it goes undetected it can have serious repercussions. An effective way to avoid a UTI is by using the right diaper and maintaining proper hygiene.
Causes of UTI in babies:
1. Constipation
2. An abnormality of the urinary tract
3. Neurological conditions where the bladder doesn’t empty properly
4. Holding urine for too long
5. Rushing out of the bathroom too which quickly leads to incomplete bladder emptying
6. In babies, not maintaining hygiene, such as not cleaning the private parts after poops
Baby with UTI – Symptoms and signs:
The problem with this bacterial infection arises if it goes undetected causing serious repercussions. A minor UTI can sometimes become more serious in young newborns or toddlers if the infection travels to the kidneys or into the bloodstream. This can lead to various symptoms:
1. Change in toilet habits
2. High temperature
3. Abdominal ache
4. Poor appetite
5. Vomiting sensation
6. Chills
7. Drowsiness
8. Foul-smelling urine
How to prevent UTI in babies?
An effective way to avoid a UTI is by using the right diaper and maintaining proper hygiene in and around the genitals. You must choose best diapers for baby which has good absorbing power so that your baby stays dry and comfortable. In case your baby develops a UTI, he will need to be administered the right amount of dosage of medicines suggested after running a urine culture.
Always ensure that the baby’s diaper is changed timely and the area in contact is dry completely. Ideally, the diaper needs to be checked and changed after every 2-3 hours. A choice of good quality clothes and airy fit are recommended to prevent the breeding environmental conditions of harmful bacteria.
The right amount of fluid intake every day can maintain a good flow of urine is one of the best ways for preventing UTI in babies.
The choice and amount of soap being used also plays an important role in keeping the baby healthy. Soaps that lather too much shall be avoided, especially in the extra-sensitive genital region, since it can cause skin irritation and rashes. Bubble baths are, furthermore, least recommended due to the same reason.
How to prevent UTI in babies – Baby UTI treatment:
In case your baby is showing UTI symptoms, he will need to be administered the right amount of dosage of medicines suggested after running a urine culture. The most common UTIs clear up by taking a course of antibiotics depending on the severity.
Paediatricians also recommend high-level tests so that these complications can be detected and treated well in time. However, prevention is your best bet to ensure that your baby is safe from serious problems in the urinary tract, such as a blockage in the tubes or scarring to the kidneys.
In case your child contacts three or more UTIs in a six-month period then the recommended test would include ultrasound and an X-ray for a detailed examination.
