According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institutes of Health, urinary tract infections are the cause of more than 1 million pediatric visits each year. A UTI--a bacterial infection of your toddler's urinary tract--can cause certain symptoms but is often overlooked in toddlers who don't show clear signs of infection.
Urine Appearance
If your toddler's urine changes appearance, becoming cloudy or bloody, or it develops a foul or unusual smell, then she most likely has a urinary tract infection.
Changes in Habits
Often a toddler with a UTI will refuse to eat or may vomit. Unexplained changes in toilet habits, such as increased wetting accidents, frequently accompany a UTI in toddlers, as well.
Fussiness
A toddler experiencing a urinary tract infection may experience pain or a burning sensation when urinating, which he typically indicates with excessive fussiness, crying or straining during urination.
Fever
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a fever (ranging from low-grade to high) may indicate that your toddler has a urinary tract infection.
Considerations
If you notice UTI symptoms in your toddler, contact your little one's pediatrician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse says urinary-tract infections may lead to serious kidney infections.
Tags: urinary tract, your toddler, Diseases Information, Diseases Information Clearinghouse, Information Clearinghouse, Kidney Urologic