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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
• What causes urinary tract infections in children?
• What are symptoms and signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children?
• How are UTIs in children diagnosed?
• How long do UTIs in children last?
• Are UTIs in children contagious?
• Are there any home remedies for UTIs in children?
• What is the treatment for UTIs in children?
• Can UTIs in children be prevented?
• UTIs in Children At A Glance
• Find a local Pediatrician in your town
• Urinary Tract Infections in Children Index

Once an effective antibiotic has been selected and administered, most patients experience a rapid and permanent resolution of their symptoms. Recurrent UTIs raise a concern regarding anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract (for example, kidney malformation). Similarly, malfunction of the urinary tract (for example, reflux of urine from the bladder to the kidney) is another condition commonly associated with recurrent UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are not contagious. They are not acquired by sharing a bath with another child who has a UTI. Likewise, they cannot be acquired from sitting on a contaminated toilet seat.

Home remedy suggestions for UTIs in adults are legion, and unfortunately many have no scientific basis in fact. Fewer still have been shown to be safe and possibly effective in children. Those that do fulfill such criteria include:

1. Unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice: These juices reportedly lessen the adherence of infective bacteria to the bladder wall and thus allow them to be expelled in urine.



2. Pineapple: This fruit contains a chemical (bromelain) that reportedly possesses anti-inflammatory properties and thus reduces UTI symptoms.



3. Yogurt: Some studies have indicated a benefit in consumption of this product. The exact mechanism of benefit is unclear at this time.



4. Increase in overall fluid intake (for example, water): This would dilute bacteria concentration and allow more effective "flushing out" of harmful bacteria.

Perhaps the best therapy is prevention. Please review the "Can UTIs in children be prevented?" section below.