Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in the urethra (tube that helps bring the wee out of the body), bladder or kidneys.

UTIs are more common in children under 12 months old, especially girls. They can happen when bacteria travels up the urinary tract.

Signs and symptoms

The main signs and symptoms are:

• stinging or burning when weeing
• going to the toilet more often than usual
• smelly wee
• pain in the tummy or back.

Babies with a UTI may also have a fever, vomiting, be unsettled, feed less or have paler skin than normal.

When to seek help

See your GP if your child has UTI symptoms. You should also see them if your child has a UTI and is:

• not getting better after 2 days of taking the antibiotics
• having trouble taking the antibiotics
• vomiting
• is not drinking enough fluids
• feeling back pain.

Diagnosis

Your GP will test your child’s wee to find out if they have an infection. They’ll also send a sample of the urine to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis and find out which antibiotics your child needs.

If your child is very sick, very young or has a lot of UTIs, your GP may want them to have more tests. If needed, your GP will discuss this with you.

Treatment

Your GP will give your child antibiotics. UTIs are treated with antibiotics and often, these can be given at home.

Early treatment is best. If your GP thinks your child has a UTI, they’ll start them on antibiotics once you collect a sample of urine for testing. They might change the antibiotics when they get results back from the laboratory.

If your child is less than 3 months old or very unwell, your GP may send them to hospital to have antibiotics through a drip (intravenously)

Your child will need antibiotics for 3 to 5 days. It may take 1 to 2 days for their symptoms to improve.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with symptoms. Follow the instructions on the package or bottle for the correct dosage for your child.

If your child is 12 or older, ural sachets may help them with pain.

Prevention

To help prevent UTIs:

• make sure your child doesn’t have constipation
• make sure your child drinks enough fluid so their wee is clear and light in colour
• teach girls to wipe from front to back when going to the toilet
• buy your children breathable fabric underwear, not synthetic.

Developed by the Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS348. Reviewed: June 2023.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.