Bladder infection, or cystitis, is the most commonly seen 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 are often accompanied by urethritis, infection of the urethra.

Bacteria usually reach the bladder by migrating up the urethra from outside the body. Occasionally, bacteria will travel from another part of the body through the bloodstream. Males also have bladder infections, but they are more common in females. In females, the urethral opening is located just in front of the vaginal opening, so it is easily contaminated with bacteria that live near the vagina and the rectum. Also, the female urethra is much shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

Risks increase with improper cleansing after a bowel movement or urination (always wipe from front to back to prevent moving bacteria to the urethra from the rectum); wearing tight or poorly ventilated pants or underpants (allowing the genital area to be moist and warm); sitting in bubble baths, poor fluid intake and some illnesses.

Symptoms may include:

• Burning, pain, and stinging during urination
• Frequent small amounts of urine
• A sensation of urgency to urinate even when the bladder is empty
• Loss of bladder control
• Pain in the abdomen over the bladder or in the lower back
• Blood or pus seen in the urine
• Fever and foul-smelling urine indicating a more serious infection
• Symptoms may come in quite suddenly

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnostic tests including analysis of a urine specimen (urinalysis)
• If infections are recurrent or unexplained, further tests may be needed
• Prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria causing the infection
• Order pain medication

What you can do:

• Encourage increased fluid intake, especially water or fruit juiced (especially cranberry)
• Try pouring warm water over the genitals while your child is urinating or encourage urination while sitting in a warm bath to relieve symptoms
• Give all of the antibiotic, even after your child feels better
• Prevention includes keeping the genital area clean, not staying in soiled or wet pants or diapers
• Encourage your child to empty the bladder frequently and wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movements
• Avoid lengthy baths with bubble bath
• Cotton underwear provides better ventilation than nylon or other synthetic fabrics

What you can expect:

• Symptoms should improve within a few days of starting antibiotics, but the infection can return if the medication is not finished completely
• Common antibiotics may not affect some bacteria and the medicine may need to be changed; or the cause of cystitis may be more complicated and require further tests.
• Possible complications include an increased risk of kidney damage with frequent or untreated infections

Contact your doctor if your child has symptoms of a bladder infection or if symptoms continue or recur after treatment.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620