Pediatric Nephrology Specialist Uz. Dr. Gökçe Can gave information about urinary tract infections in children and prevention methods.
Pediatric Nephrology Specialist. Dr. Gökçe Can stated that urinary tract infection is among the most common disorders in both children and adults and said, “Urinary tract infection is more common in boys under one year old and in girls over one year old. While the coli bacteria in the stool is the most common cause of the disease, the habit of keeping urine, especially in children, is among the reasons that increase the incidence of this infection. said.
Can stated that the infection of the urinary tract, namely the kidney, ureter and bladder due to bacteria, is called urinary tract inflammation, and said:
“In this disease, where different treatment methods are applied according to the lower urinary or upper urinary region where the infection occurs; Protective measures to be taken and parents' acquiring the right toilet and hygiene habits for their children play an important role in preventing the frequent recurrence of infection. Urinary tract infection is more common in boys under one year of age and in girls over one year old. In addition to those with vesicoureteral reflux and voiding disorders, the frequency of urinary tract infections increases more due to urinary retention, especially in play-age girls who have completed toilet training.
“Coli bacillus is the main cause”
Noting that the main cause of urinary tract infection is the E-coli bacterium called E-coli, Can said, “Coli bacillus, a bacterium found in the stool, occurs when microorganisms around the genital area infect the urinary tract. However, structural anomalies in the urinary tract and kidneys may predispose to urinary tract infection. These structural urinary system disorders; Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can be listed as urine leakage from the urinary bladder to the kidneys, stenosis in the kidney canals, and kidney stones. In addition, voiding dysfunctions, urine retention, not paying attention to personal hygiene rules, lack of toilet suitable for children and inability to empty properly constitute situations that may cause urinary tract infection. he said.
“Urine analysis should be performed in the presence of fever of unknown origin”
Expressing that the lower urinary and upper urinary tract symptoms of urinary tract infection in children can differ from each other, Can said, “Upper urinary tract infection is the inflammation of the kidneys, while lower urinary tract infection is the inflammation of the ureters and bladder. Fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flank pain, back pain, frequent urination, burning, pain and stinging during urination, sudden urination, blood in the urine are among the general symptoms. said.
Pointing out that the symptoms should be evaluated more carefully in infants younger than two years of age, Can said, “For this reason, urinalysis should be performed in all young children with fever and in whom the fever focus cannot be determined. Again, urinary tract infection should be considered in the presence of decreased feeding, growth retardation, bad odor in the urine, and prolonged jaundice in young infants. he said.
“Treatment depends on the area where the infection occurs”
Can, “The treatment of urinary tract infection varies depending on whether the infection is in the lower or upper urinary tract. Since there is a risk of permanent damage to the kidneys in upper urinary tract infection, parenteral administration of the treatment as antibiotic therapy by injection into the muscle or intravenously; In lower urinary tract infection, oral antibiotic treatment is required. An important part of the treatment is that children consume plenty of fluids in this process.” used his statements.
“Urinary tract infection can become chronic”
Saying that urinary tract infection can become chronic in some children, Can said, “This is called recurrent urinary tract infection. Below this, the probability of urinary system anomaly is high. For this reason, in children with recurrent urinary tract infections, other than ultrasound, kidney imaging methods should be used. However, it should definitely be followed by a pediatric nephrologist.” he said.
“Children should be taught to urinate, not to wait”
Can, "Children's use of toilets, especially in schools, can worry families in terms of hygiene." He continued his explanation as follows:
“However, rather than the hygiene of the toilet, families should be taught that their children should not hold their toilets and that they should pay attention to the hygiene rules when using the toilet. Because holding urine for a long time is one of the reasons that lead to infection in children.
“You can protect yourself from urinary tract infections with these measures”
Can listed the things to be done to prevent urinary tract infection as follows:
“Plenty of water should be consumed, urine should not be kept waiting, and when necessary, go to the toilet immediately, do not wear tight underwear, care should be taken to ensure that the underwear is cotton, hygiene rules should be followed, genital cleaning should be done from front to back after the toilet and should not be passed again, during summer vacations the sea is preferred instead of the pool. Urinary tract infection should be followed by a pediatric nephrologist.”