Causes And Symptoms Of The Bladder Infection In Girls
This problem occurs when bacteria cause inflammation of the organs that transport urine, including the urethra (the tube which connects the bladder to the outside) and the bladder
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Infants may just be irritable or have a fever. Sometimes there may be vomiting and/or diarrhea. Thoddlers may complain of abdominal pain. Older children may recognize that they have pain when urinating. You will notice that they seem to “go” more often and that the urine dribbles. Sometimes children who are previously dry in the day may wet or they may wet the bed at night when they haven’t done so for quite sometime. Some children may stop urinating because it is so painful. Occasionally the urine may smell bad, or may be cloudly or reddish from blood, but usually it looks normal unless examined under the microscope.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Cystitis improve rapidly with treatment so that a change in symptoms is noticed in the first few days.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATION?
Occasionally blasdder infections can progress upward along the urinary tract and involve the kidneys. This infection is more serious.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
Cystitis is quite common
HOW IS IT ACQUIRED?
These infection are more common in girls than in boys. The reason is that the urethra is much shorter in girl and it is therefore easier for bacteria to get from the outside into the bladder. Occasionally, your child will be prone to these infections because of abnormal urinary passages. Special x-ray studies may required to detect these abnormalities.
WHAT HAS THE DOCTOR DONE?
The doctor, after performing certain test, will place your child on an antibiotic. The entire prescription should be given as instructed. Other medicines are rarely necessary. Bring the medicine bottle with you when you return to the office. Usually your doctor will want to recheck your child’s urine frequently to make sure the infection is over. Additionally, it may be necessary to check the urine at regular intervals throughout the year to make sure that infection has not recurred.
WHAT CAN THE FAMILY DO?
It is very important to encourage your cjild to drink plenty of fluids, particulary favorite soups and juices. If there is a fever, give aspirin or acetaminophen (the common aspirin substitute) in the appropriate dosages for weight and age.
It is important for your child to maintain cleanliness. Bathe daily and wash with nonirritating soap. Bubble bath should be discontinued s they are usually irritating. Your daughter should wipe from front to back. This will keep bacteria from the bowel movement away from the urethra.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR AGAIN
Your child should be re-examined and a urine specimen checked in 3 to 5 days. The child should be seen sooner if she continues to have trouble urinating or complains of discomfort on her sides. The doctor should also be contacted if your child has persistent vomiting or is unable to hold down fluids.