Urinary tract infection - children: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the child is difficult to wake, has severe trouble breathing, has a seizure, becomes blue, grey, very pale, or mottled, or appears seriously unwell.
These can be signs of severe infection or another emergency.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if a child has pain when urinating, new urinary frequency, unexplained wetting, blood in the urine, or fever without a clear cause.
A urine test may be needed.
A baby younger than 3 months with a fever or possible UTI needs urgent same-day medical assessment.
Young babies can become unwell quickly and may not show typical urinary symptoms.
Seek urgent same-day help for a child of any age who has:
Fever with back or side pain
Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
Signs of dehydration, such as very little urine or a dry mouth
Worsening symptoms or no improvement within about 48 hours of treatment
A known kidney or urinary tract condition with new symptoms
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for repeated UTIs, ongoing wetting, constipation, abnormal scan results, or concerns about bladder habits when the child is otherwise well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urinary tract infection - children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.