What are the symptoms of acute urethritis in children?

Symptoms of acute urethritis in children include frequent urination, urgent urination, painful urination, difficulty urinating, turbid or bloody urine, etc. Seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the disease, and pay attention to personal hygiene and diet conditioning.

1. Frequent urination, urgency, and pain when urinating

Typical symptoms of acute urethritis in children are frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. Children may go to the toilet frequently, but the amount of urine each time is small, accompanied by pain or burning during urination. These symptoms are usually caused by bacterial infection of the urethral mucosa, and common pathogens include Escherichia coli. Parents should encourage their children to drink more water to promote urination, help flush the urethra, and reduce bacterial retention.

2. Difficulty urinating

Dysuria is one of the common manifestations of acute urethritis in children. Children may resist urination due to pain, or even experience urinary retention. This may be related to local swelling or spasm caused by urethritis. Parents can try to relieve local discomfort with warm water sitting baths, and avoid wearing tight clothing for children to reduce pressure on the urethra.

3. Abnormal urine

Turbid or bloody urine is an important sign of acute urethritis in children. Turbid urine is usually caused by leukocytosis or bacterial infection, while hematuria may be the result of damage to the urethral mucosa. Parents should closely observe the color and odor of their children's urine and seek medical attention immediately if any abnormalities are found. The doctor may recommend a routine urine test to determine the type of infection and develop a targeted treatment plan.

4. Fever and general discomfort

Some children may have systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually indicate that the infection may have spread to other parts of the urinary system, such as the bladder or kidneys. Parents should pay close attention to changes in their children's body temperature, use antipyretics when necessary, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalosporins, or nitrofurantoin depending on the condition.

5. Prevention and care

The key to preventing acute urethritis in children is to maintain good personal hygiene habits. Parents should teach their children to clean their vulva properly and avoid using irritating washes. In terms of diet, eating more foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries, can help enhance immunity. Avoid letting children hold their urine for a long time to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection.

Acute urethritis in children has a variety of symptoms, and parents need to identify them in time and take appropriate measures. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining personal hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and seeking medical attention in a timely manner can effectively relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.