Yes! Our urgent care pediatrics team can test for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. We collect a urine sample in the clinic and can perform initial testing in-house to quickly check for signs of infection. If more detailed testing is needed, we can send the sample to a lab for further analysis.

Yes, we can prescribe antibiotics if your child is diagnosed with a UTI. Infants and young children with UTIs usually need to take antibiotics tor 7 to 14 days, sometimes longer. Make sure your child takes all the medicine your pediatrician prescribes. Do not stop giving your child the medicine until the pediatrician says the treatment is finished, even if your child feels better. UTls can return if not fully treated.

UTIs in children can happen for several reasons. Most commonly, bacteria from the skin or rectum can enter the urinary tract, causing an infection. Poor hygiene, infrequent bathroom breaks, constipation, or dehydration can increase the risk. In some cases, structural differences in the urinary tract or certain medical conditions can make a child more likely to get a UTI.

UTIs can cause different symptoms depending on the child’s age and sex, but some common signs that appear are:

• Girls: Burning or pain when urinating, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.

• Boys: Pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, fussiness in younger boys, abdominal or back pain, and sometimes fever.

In boys and girls, younger children may just appear irritable, tired, or have a poor appetite. If you notice any of these signs, our kids urgent care can evaluate your child, test for a UTI, and provide treatment to prevent complications.