Urinary tract infection in children: prevention is better than cure
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are usually caused by bacteria from the intestines , which move up the urinary tract from the perineal area (the area between the anus and the male and female external genitalia).
In general, their appearance in childhood is more frequent :
- in females , due to the greater ease with which bacteria can penetrate the urethra (the channel that carries urine from the bladder to the outside);
- in children wearing diapers , because this facilitates the stagnation and multiplication of bacteria from the intestine.
There are also some situations in which urinary tract infections may show a tendency to recur (recurrent urinary tract infections, UTIs). In this case, the causes may be due to malformations and anomalies of the urinary tract (such as vesicoureteral reflux) or of the nerve pathways that coordinate the functioning and emptying of the bladder.
In addition, recent studies have shown the existence of a correlation between urinary tract infections and alterations of the urinary and intestinal bacterial flora (i.e. the so-called microbiota).
Urinary tract infections in children: how to prevent them?
There are some practical steps that can be very helpful in preventing childhood urinary tract infections .
1. Breastfeed
It has been shown that breast milk strengthens the immune system of children and helps them develop a “healthier ” microbiota, with beneficial effects even in adulthood. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the risk of constipation which in turn can favor the onset of UTI.
2. Take care of intestinal well-being
A healthy intestine is a valid ally to prevent the appearance of urinary infections. For this reason, it is important to implement all measures (food and non-food) to counteract constipation and prevent or resolve any alterations in the microbiota .
The permanence of feces in the digestive tract, in fact, can cause a compression of the bladder , preventing its correct emptying and facilitating the ascent of potentially dangerous bacteria .
On the other hand, the presence of an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota (called dysbiosis) also affects the bacterial population that inhabits the urinary tract, creating more favorable conditions for the development or relapse of any infections.
3. Teach proper intimate hygiene
Regardless of the gender of the child, it is important to choose delicate intimate cleansers that respect the bacterial flora of the genitals. Furthermore, girls should learn to clean and wash their genitals with movements from front to back and not vice versa, thus avoiding the risk of carrying intestinal bacteria towards the urethra.
4. Encourage to drink often
Adequate hydration helps prevent and speed up the healing of urinary tract infections.
5. Teach not to hold urine
Ignoring the stimulus favors urine stagnation and, consequently, the proliferation of potentially harmful bacteria .
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.