Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Reference Urinary tract infections (UTI) Opens New Window in infants and young children need early evaluation and treatment. Call your doctor if your child has:

• Unexplained fever.
• Vomiting.
• Urine that looks pink, red, brown, or cloudy or is foul-smelling.
• Burning pain with urination.
• Frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
• Reference Pain in the flank Opens New Window, which is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
• Reference Vaginal discharge with urinary symptoms.
• Symptoms similar to those of a previous UTI.

Call the doctor if your child isn't feeling better within 48 hours after starting an Reference antibiotic Opens New Window.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you suspect your child has a urinary tract infection. Untreated UTIs in children can lead to permanent kidney damage, Reference high blood pressure Opens New Window, and other serious complications.

Who to see

The following health professionals can treat UTIs in children:

• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
• Reference General practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Family medicine physician Opens New Window
• Reference Pediatrician Opens New Window
• Reference Urologist Opens New Window

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.