How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection in Babies
Does your baby often cry when urinating? If so, it could be that your baby has a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, don't panic because this is a common occurrence. The most important thing is that you know what the symptoms of urinary tract infections in babies are and how to treat urinary tract infection in babies.
Urinary tract infection is one of the common health problems experienced by infants, especially infants under 1 year of age. Generally, this condition is caused by bacteria that come from feces that enter through the baby's genitals, then rise and develop in the bladder.
This can happen if the way to clean the baby after defecating is not right, the baby has not been circumcised, the baby is constipated, and the baby has congenital abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Babies
Baby girls are more susceptible to urinary tract infections when compared to baby boys. This is because women have shorter urinary tracts than men. As a result, bacteria will more easily enter the bladder of women when compared to men.
Urinary tract infections in infants tend to be more difficult to detect. This is because the baby has not been able to convey the symptoms he feels. Therefore, you must be observant to see the changes that occur in your baby.
The signs of urinary tract infection in babies that you can observe are as follows:
- When urinating baby cries
- Frequent urination but comes out little by little
- Urine smells bad, looks cloudy and even bleeds
- Often fussy
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficult to gain weight
- Look weak
- Body fever
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection in Infants
If you suspect your baby has a urinary tract infection, you should immediately take your baby to the doctor. This condition should be treated as soon as possible. If not, it is feared that the bacteria in the urinary tract will spread and can cause damage to the kidneys.
The doctor will check for the presence of bacteria in your baby's urine. If it really exists, to overcome it and to prevent kidney infection, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Urinary tract infections generally clear up after the baby takes antibiotics for 3 to 7 days.
In addition, you also have to make sure that your baby gets adequate fluid intake. This is important because it can help speed up the recovery process. However, you should not give drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea or soda.
If a urinary tract infection occurs in a baby under 6 months of age, the doctor may suggest hospitalization. In addition, other conditions that also require hospitalization are if the baby has:
- Bacteria spread to the blood
- Fever that doesn't get better
- Throws up
- Dehydration
- Medicines are difficult to give by mouth
Urinary tract infections that occur in infants should not be underestimated. To prevent the growth of bacteria you have to change the diaper regularly. Also make sure you clean the baby's genitals in the right way, especially for baby girls.
Before cleaning the anus, you should clean the genitals first to prevent the transfer of fecal bacteria to the urinary tract. Also avoid cleaning the genitals using soap that contains perfume.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections in infants are important to recognize. If your baby is experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, then how to treat urinary tract infection in babies immediately take him to the doctor, especially if it happens frequently or makes your baby look very weak. Also read articles about: How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection during Pregnancy.
