Urinary Tract Infection
Your child has been diagnosed with an infection of the bladder or urinary
tract. Take the antibiotic as prescribed. You can also continue to give
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours as needed or Ibuprofen (Motrin)
every 6 hours as needed (if your child is more than 6 months old) for the
fever. Also have your child drink plenty of fluids. Fevers and pain should
start to improve within 48 hours of starting the antibiotic.
It is important that you follow up with your doctor in 2 days. At that visit you
should discuss the results of your child’s urine culture and the possible need
for additional testing, such as a kidney/bladder ultrasound. This is typically
advised for children less than 2 years old after their first urine infection.
After your child has one urinary tract infection we want you to remember
that it can happen again. In the future, if your child has fevers lasting more
than 2 days we suggest you contact your pediatrician to find out if repeat
urine testing is necessary.
Return to the emergency department if your child is unable to take the
medication prescribed, he/she has persistent vomiting, worsening pain,
persistent fevers, or other concerns.