Children and Young People’s Emergency Department
You have been given this information because your child has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. A urine infection is caused by bacteria in the urine. These usually come from the bacteria that live in the bowel. Urine infections in children under age 5 years old are a common illness.
Symptoms of a urine infection
These may vary depending on the age of your child but include the following
- High temperature
- Vomiting or poor feeding
- Abdominal pain
- Generally unwell and lethargic
- Offensive smelling or cloudy urine
- Pain when passing urine or unexpected bed wetting
Investigation of a urine infection
A sample of urine will be tested for the presence of bacteria in the department. A sample may also be sent for further testing with a result obtained in 48 hours. If this is the case either the department or you GP will contact you with the result.
If your child is under 6 months old, they will undergo further investigation with an ultrasound scan of the kidneys in 6 weeks. Other investigations may be organised by a paediatric specialist if indicated.
Treatment of a urine infection
Antibiotics may be given for 3 to 10 days
Increase the amount of drinks your child has
If breast fed, continue to do so
If your child is vomiting, then give smaller feeds more frequently
If your child has a temperature, you can give paracetamol and or ibuprofen.
Please check the medication label prior to giving to your child.
Seek immediate medical advice if any of the following occur:
- Unusually sleepy
- Unable to take oral fluids due to vomiting
- Your child has not drunk anything all day or not passed urine in the last 8 hours
- Your child does not improve within the following 48 hours.
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets.
You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
-
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact s[email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
