Natick Pediatrics, PC

Dear Dr. Lindeman,
A friend's daughter was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. What is it and can my daughter avoid getting one?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder, and sometimes the kidneys. Symptoms include

Pain or burning on urination
Having to urinate frequently
Daytime and night-time wetting
Dribbling of urine
Foul smelling urine
Fever
Stomach ache
Vomiting

Symptoms usually resolve after 48 hours of appropriate antibiotics. It is important for the doctor to have a properly obtained urine sample so that an accurate culture can be done.

Home Treatment

Extra Fluids: Until you can see the doctor, give plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
Comfort medicine: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may be helpful for fever and painful urination.

Prevention

Wash your child's genitals with water, not soap.
No bubble baths prior to puberty! Bubble bath, as well as shampoo, or even a floating bar of soap can be very irritating in bath water.
Keep bath time less than 15 minutes.
Teach girls to wipe from front to back.

Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if

Your child develops back pain
Your child begins to pass only very small amounts of urine
Your child begins acting very sick

Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if

Pain on urination is not better after 48 hours of antibiotics
You have other questions or concerns.

Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 10/30/02

Dear Dr. Lindeman,
A friend's daughter was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. What is it and can my daughter avoid getting one?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder, and sometimes the kidneys. Symptoms include

Pain or burning on urination
Having to urinate frequently
Daytime and night-time wetting
Dribbling of urine
Foul smelling urine
Fever
Stomach ache
Vomiting

Symptoms usually resolve after 48 hours of appropriate antibiotics. It is important for the doctor to have a properly obtained urine sample so that an accurate culture can be done.

Home Treatment

Extra Fluids: Until you can see the doctor, give plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
Comfort medicine: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may be helpful for fever and painful urination.

Prevention

Wash your child's genitals with water, not soap.
No bubble baths prior to puberty! Bubble bath, as well as shampoo, or even a floating bar of soap can be very irritating in bath water.
Keep bath time less than 15 minutes.
Teach girls to wipe from front to back.

Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if

Your child develops back pain
Your child begins to pass only very small amounts of urine
Your child begins acting very sick

Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if

Pain on urination is not better after 48 hours of antibiotics
You have other questions or concerns.

Natick Pediatrics, PC
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 10/30/02