From chicken pox to a stomach bug and the occasional cold or flu, your child will suffer several illnesses in their life. However, one you might not expect to happen is a urinary tract infection or UTI. UTIs are actually very common in children and should be treated immediately by your child's pediatrician. Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions about UTIs in children.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection refers to the presence of a bacterial infection in the child's urinary tract. It can occur in the bladder or the lower portions of the urinary tract, which is a lower UTI, or in the kidneys, which is referred to an as upper UTI. There are several reasons why your child will develop a UTI.

For example, if your child has chronic constipation, the excess excrement in the bowels can put pressure on the bladder, which makes it difficult for your child to completely empty it. If your child does not wipe properly, fecal matter can make its way into the urinary tract.

If your child holds their urine and does not go to the bathroom right away when they feel the urge, it can cause bacteria to build up in the bladder, as well.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with a UTI in Kids?

The symptoms of a UTI in your child can vary. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your pediatrician right away:

• Bad or strong-smelling urine
• Pain when your child urinates
• Stomach aches
• Nausea
• Fever
• Vomiting

You might notice a small amount of blood in your child's urine or cloudy urine, which is another common symptom associated with UTI.

How Will a Pediatrician Diagnose and Treat a Child's UTI?

Your child's pediatrician will ask several questions about your child's symptoms, including when the symptoms started. In addition to a physical exam, the pediatrician will ask for a urine sample. If there is the presence of bacteria in the urine, and the child has symptoms associated with a UTI, a diagnosis will be made.

Luckily, UTIs are typically very easy to treat and will clear up quickly. Your child will be given an antibiotic to treat the infection. Take the antibiotic as instructed and make sure to finish the entire course, even if your child's symptoms improve after a couple of days.

UTIs are very common in children and very treatable. Contact your doctor with any further questions about pediatric care.