What causes cystitis in children?

Cystitis in children is mainly caused by infection, lifestyle, low immune function and other reasons. It is necessary to understand the cause and treat it in time. Common causes include infectious factors such as bacterial infection, bad lifestyle habits such as holding urine and certain other health problems. According to the cause, targeted treatment should be taken, such as antibiotics, improving lifestyle and improving immunity.

1. Infectious factors

The most common cause of cystitis is urinary tract infection, which is mainly caused by bacteria invading the bladder. Children's own hygiene habits are not well-regulated, and they are more susceptible to external bacterial infection due to their short urethra and weak immunity, especially girls. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli, which can easily enter the bladder through the urethra and cause infection. Parents are advised to pay attention to their children's personal hygiene habits and help them clean their external genitalia every day, especially the correct way to wipe after going to the toilet (from front to back).

For children who have been clearly infected, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics, such as cephalexin, amoxicillin or sulfonamides. The treatment period is usually 7-10 days. The medication regimen is adjusted according to the severity of the infection, and parents need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions.

2. Bad living habits

Holding urine is one of the main causes of cystitis in children. Since some children ignore the need to go to the toilet when playing, holding urine for a long time can easily cause urine to remain in the bladder, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Insufficient urine volume or drinking too little water can also cause urine concentration, making the bladder environment more suitable for bacterial growth.

Parents should help their children develop a habit of regular urination and avoid holding urine. Pay special attention to the amount of water they drink every day. The recommended amount of water for children is usually adjusted according to their weight. For example, a child weighing 20 kg needs about 1.2-1.5 liters of water per day. Drinking more water helps to clean urinary tract bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

3. Weak immune function

Some children with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to recurrent bladder infections. A weakened immune system may be associated with malnutrition, excessive fatigue, or certain chronic diseases (such as diabetes), making it easier for bacteria to cause an infection. Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as urethral stricture or vesicoureteral reflux, may also increase the risk of infection.

For children with low immunity, it is recommended to focus on a balanced diet, such as supplementing high-quality protein (such as fish, meat, eggs) and vitamin C in moderation, and try to avoid fatigue or staying up late for a long time. If symptoms persist and infections are frequent, professional examinations may be needed to rule out organic lesions, such as urinary system imaging examinations for accurate diagnosis.

4. Caused by other diseases

In some cases, cystitis may be caused by other diseases. For example, long-term constipation can lead to poor pelvic blood circulation, which may affect bladder health. If a child suffers from urinary stones, the risk of urinary tract infection will also increase. If long-term observation finds that the child has frequent urination, urgent urination, or even blood in the urine, it is necessary to seek medical attention in time to rule out related diseases.

Cystitis in children is usually caused by infection, bad habits and health problems. Parents need to pay attention and intervene in time. Help children develop good personal hygiene and living habits, increase water intake appropriately, and pay attention to urine color and symptom changes regularly. If there are abnormal symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical help in time to avoid the risk of worsening infection or other complications.