Signs and Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in a Toddler

Bladder infections can cause pain and discomfort for toddlers, as well as a lot of stress for the parents involved. Bladder infections are caused by bacteria that infect various parts of the urinary tract, generally due to toddlers holding urine in for a length of time, irritation of the urethra from soap, stool or bubble bath, constipation, or improper wiping. It is important for parents to know the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in their toddler so they can get the appropriate medical attention needed before the infection gets worse, and the toddler becomes more and more uncomfortable.

Fever

• Some toddlers are not able to verbally communicate any issues that are out of the ordinary for them, so parents may not be able to pick up on a bladder infection. One thing that parents can look for is a fever. Although this does not always happen, and fevers tend to vary with these types of infections, low grade fevers are more likely to be associated with a bladder infection.

Poor Appetite, Vomiting or Diarrhea

• A toddler may have a drop in his appetite with a bladder infection. While the scientific reason is not clear, it makes sense that along with any discomfort that the child may be experiencing, his appetite will suffer since he does not quite feel like himself. Vomiting or diarrhea may also occur as a result of a possible bladder infection.

Painful Urination

• Even the toddler that does not have many words to use for communicating can tell a parent or other adult if it hurts to urinate. Simply crying or saying "ow," when urinating, can tip a parent off that there may be an issue, such as a bladder infection that may need attention.

Blood

• Another common symptom of a bladder infection is blood in the urine or on the underwear. This is not something the toddler needs to tell the parent as it will be clearly visible.

Other Symptoms

• Other signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in a toddler may include fatigue, sleep disturbance, frequent urination, cloudy or foul smelling urine, or difficulty with urination.