Bladder infection is the most common type of urinary tract infections. It happens when the urinary is inflamed due to bacterial infection. The infection is mostly caused by the E. coli bacteria.
Bladder infection occasionally happens to children. Every year it has been estimated that approximately 3% of the children population are affected with infections of the urinary system and majority if it are girls. Girls are more prone to have the infection because of their anatomical structure. They have shorter urethras as compared to boys. Children under four years old have the highest incidence of bladder infections in the entire children population.
When the child has bladder infections, he or she may display a variety of symptoms like having high fever, pain in the pelvic area, pain when urinating, frequently urinating, have foul smelling urine that appears frothy and cloudy, and in rare cases the urine has some traces of blood. Younger children especially infants do not understand the symptoms they feel ,so most often they cry nonstop and are often irritable.
In the event that the child is diagnosed to have bladder infection, the child will have to take a series of antibiotic treatments. The child is required to take the medications for seven to ten days without fail to ensure that the bacterium is completely eradicated. In serious cases especially in younger children, treatment might be done in the hospital and the antibiotic medications are given via the intravenous route to ensure faster absorption.
Just like any diseases, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Parents should do their best in making sure that their children are health as possible. Here are some of the tips on how to prevent bladder infection in children:
- Make sure that your child is practicing proper hygiene. Bathing daily can help lessen bacteria that can cause bladder infection. See to it that your child changes their underwear every day. In infants, it is important to change diapers every four hours. Changing diapers much longer than four hours can cause bacterial build up causing bladder infection.
- Inform the child on the proper ways of cleaning after visits to the restroom. For girls, mothers should demonstrate on how to use the tissue after urinating. Teach them the proper hand washing techniques every after bathroom use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Persuade your child not to hold urine and to urinate when they feel the urge.
- Encourage your child to drink at least eight glasses of water. It helps flush out the bacteria in the body.
- Increase your child’s intake of fruits and vegetables. These are good sources of vitamin C which boosts immune system.
- Limit your child’s intake of junk foods like chips and sodas. These foods have high amount of salt and sugar that can damage the child’s urinary system.