Urinary tract infections (UTI) in infants and young children need early evaluation and
treatment. Call your doctor if your child has:
- Unexplained fever.
- Urine that looks pink, red, brown, or cloudy or is
- Burning pain with urination.
need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
- Vaginal discharge with urinary
- Symptoms similar to those of a previous UTI.
Call the doctor if your child isn't feeling better within
48 hours after starting an
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,
high blood pressure, and other serious
Who to see
The following health
professionals can treat UTIs in children:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.