Bladder infection, or cystitis, is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI refers to a bacterial infection of one or more of the structures that make up the urinary system, the body's filtering system for disposing of liquid waste. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, which make urine; the ureters, the tubes that transport the urine from the kidneys to the bladder where it is stored; and the urethra, the tube that carries the urine out of the body. Bladder infections may be accompanied by urethritis, infection of the urethra.

Bacteria that reach the bladder from another part of the body through the bloodstream or bacteria that migrate up the penile urethra cause bladder infections. This occurs more commonly when the urethra has been damaged or has a structural defect, or when a urinary catheter has been inserted to empty the bladder. Bladder infections in males are much less common than in females due to the longer urethra. An infection in the prostate or kidneys increases the chance of that infection spreading to the bladder. Health problems that lower resistance may make bladder infection more common.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain, burning or stinging of the penis with urination
• The urge to urinate even if the bladder is empty
• Foul odor
• Loss of normal bladder control
• Abdominal, stomach or lower back pain
• Fever
• Blood or pus in the urine

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnosis is made by analysis of a urine sample (urinalysis). If a kidney infection or a structural problem is thought to be the cause, or if your child has recurring bladder infections, further tests may be recommended
• Prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria
• Order pain medication

What you can do:

• Antibiotics must be taken until gone or the infection can return
• Increase fluids (especially water and cranberry juice, which helps acidify the urine)
• To help ease the discomfort of urinating, try pouring warm water over the genitals or have your child sit in a warm bath to urinate
• Prevention includes keeping the genital area clean, and not staying in wet or soiled pants or diapers

What you can expect:

• Symptoms should improve within a few days of starting antibiotics
• Possible complications include an increased risk of kidney damage with frequent or untreated infections

Contact your doctor for symptoms of a bladder infection or if symptoms worsen or recur after treatment is started.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620