How do I know if my child has a UTI?

There are many symptoms of a UTI. Children will often exhibit very few of them.

However, the main symptoms to watch out for in children are: 

• Persistent fever of unknown origin
• A burning sensation during urination
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Strong-smelling, cloudy or bloody urine
• Abdominal, back or side pain

If your child develops any of these symptoms, you should suspect a UTI and contact your doctor.

Symptoms are more difficult to detect in babies since they can’t tell you what is wrong. However, babies with UTI are usually more irritable, have a change in appetite, and suffer from vomiting or diarrhea. If the infection has reached the kidneys, your child will feel very ill and will usually develop a fever.