Pregnancy And Baby Care Toddler Illness Toddler Boy Urinary Tract Infection

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Urinary Tract Infection in Toddlers Boys

While urinary tract infection is more common in girls, boys suffer from it too.

Boys tend to have an easier time escaping this infection only because of their physical structure. In boys, the urethra is much longer as compared to girls; therefore the bacteria have a longer route to cover before reaching the bladder. Most cases of toddler boy urinary tract infections occur before the boy turns one.

Toddler Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in toddlers include a burning sensation during urination (this is easier to spot in toilet trained kids than in toddlers still in diapers), abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, low levels of energy, crankiness, poor appetite, discolored and smelly urine. In some cases the toddler may also have bloody urine. In the case of potty trained children, signs of a UTI infection include frequent and painful visits to the bathroom.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Toddler Boys

Urinary tract infections are a result of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection in toddler boys may occur due to one of the following reasons:

• Male babies are more likely to experience a urinary tract infection than older boys because of the proximity and duration of wearing soiled diapers. For toilet trained toddler boys, the chief cause of urinary tract infections is incontinence. When urine pools on the diaper/underwear, bacteria are able to enter the urethra
• In the case of toilet trained toddlers, poor hygiene could lead to a urinary tract infection. Chances are once your toddler is left to his own devices he won't wash his hands thoroughly.
  
  Parents should make sure hands are thoroughly cleaned after every trip to the bathroom and the genital area is properly cleaned when bathing.
• At times frequent and persistent urinary tract problems may hint at a deeper urinary system disorder. If your toddler has over three UTI's in a year, consult your doctor.

Urinary Tract Infection Toddlers Treatment

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat a urinary tract infection. Parents can also take some precautionary measures at home to help recovery.

• Hydration - Keep your toddler well hydrated. Drinking fluids prevents constipation and other urinary system disorders.
• Training - Discard soiled diapers immediately. In the case of toilet trained kids, teach them to wipe from front to back. This keeps the bacteria away from the urethra, limiting the chance of infection.
• Hygiene - Maintain strict hygiene. Watch your toddler wash their hands thoroughly after a visit to the bathroom.