Read up on Urinary tract infections in children treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Urinary tract infections in children

Key points about treatments

Urinary tract infections are easily treated with antibiotics. But your child might need further treatment if your doctor thinks your child is likely to get another infection that could damage their kidneys.

If your doctor thinks your child has a urinary tract infection, they will probably start your child on

antibiotics
These medications are used to help your immune system fight infection. There are a number of different types of antibiotics that work in different ways to get rid of bacteria, parasites and other infectious agents. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

antibiotics right away, even before they get results of tests to check for

bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

bacteria (germs) in your child's urine.
Your child should start to feel better in a day or two. But it's important to give your child antibiotics for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your child feels better.
If your doctor thinks your child will get more infections, they might recommend giving your child a low dose of antibiotics for several months to reduce the risk.
If your child has an abnormality in their urinary tract that makes them more likely to get infections, your doctor might recommend giving them antibiotics for a long time. Taking antibiotics for a long time seems to work just as well as surgery at preventing more infections and

kidney
Your kidneys are organs that filter your blood to make urine. You have two of them, on either side of your abdominal cavity, toward your back.

kidney damage.
If your child has reflux (an abnormality causing urine to flow back toward their kidneys), they might grow out of it. Only a few children need surgery to correct this problem.

This information was last updated on Oct 13, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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