Bath time What cystitis in children speaks

Change bathing suits, clarify also physical causes
Finally summer is here. Then it draws children in fine weather back into the outdoor pools. But the cool wet not only brings refreshment, but also carries risks such as urinary tract infections. This is mostly due to hypothermia in the genital region. Especially in small children who often suffer from bladder infections, a urologist should also clarify physical causes to prevent a chronic disease.

Bladder infections are more likely to affect boys in their babyhood, after which mostly girls suffer. When bathing and then romping around with wet clothes, quickly develop a painful bladder infection. The genital region undercooled quickly and is thus poorly supplied with blood. Then bacteria invade easier. They can multiply rapidly at temperatures below 37 ° C and then lead to inflammation. Frequent urinary urgency, which can also be seen in small children by enuresis, as well as burning or pain when urinating are warning signs. In babies and toddlers, the typical symptoms are sometimes absent, so in case of unclear fever, general malaise or vomiting should also be thought of a Hanrwegsinfekt. Another warning sign is a "strongly" smelling, cloudy or bloody urine.

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Even if, in addition to pain during urination, other areas of the body, such as the lower back area, hurt the child, this may be the reason for a urinary tract infection. Parents should, in addition to preventive measures, such as changing bathing suits, visit the urologist in case of an infection. Not only can it treat the inflammation effectively, it also eliminates internal malformations that promote urinary tract infections.

"The smaller the child, the more advisable it is to go to a urologist for symptoms," advises urologist Dr. med. Reinhold Schaefer from the Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, an association of established urologists. "Especially with the first bladder infection, we can gently detect by means of ultrasound whether internal malformations such as a narrowing of the urethra promote infections."

A urine test also provides information about the pathogens and makes it possible to find a suitable drug. "As a rule, there is a short-term therapy with an antibiotic, often supplemented by pain and cramp-reducing agents," explains Dr. Shepherd. Urologists also recommend keeping the abdomen and feet warm and plenty of drinking to flush out the bacteria and relax the bladder. Although cranberry juice, bearberry leaves in tablet form or herbal teas support the therapy, they alone are not effective against bacterial inflammation. (Pm)