How common are urinary tract infections in children?

Provided by: Healthwise
Not yet rated

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, especially during their first year. About 1 or 2 out of 100 infants have a UTI during the first year of life.1 The numbers are slightly higher for children born prematurely. During the first year of life, boys are at higher risk than girls for UTIs. UTIs are more common in boys who are not circumcised than in circumcised boys.

After the first year, UTIs become more common in girls than in boys. This trend continues throughout childhood and most of adulthood.

Infants and young children often get another UTI in the months after their first one. Recurrent infections usually happen within the same year as the first UTI.

References

Citations

  1. Shortliffe LMD (2002). Urinary tract infections in infants and children. In PC Walsh et al., eds., Campbell's Urology, 8th ed., vol. 3, pp. 1846–1875. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Credits

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C)
- Pediatric Urology
Last Updated April 30, 2007
Last Updated: 04/30/2007

© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

Was this article helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Be the first to rate!
liked it no thanks

In the Spotlight

Asthma in Kids

Acute asthmatic episodes can be mild or severe. Do you have an action plan for treating them at home?

When to Call a Doctor »

Yahoo! Groups

Join the Conversation:

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss topics with other members of the group.

All Child Health Groups »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

Salad is pretty healthful to start with, to be sure. But not all salads are created equal. (Case in point: iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing. Wimpy!) Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback