3 yr old with recurrent uti's

[corinnec56]

Hello,

Would appreciate some help and information regarding uti's and children. My daughter is 3 years old and has just been diagnosed with her 4th or 5th uti inthe last 4 or 5 months. Her first two infections were quite severe but we have managed to catch them earlier for the last few. The bacteria she has is pseudomonas aeruginosa which from what I have read is a fairly rare cause of a uti. My question is, how is she continuing to be infected (she has been treated with a 3 day course of IV anti biotics on an out patient basis and then a 5 day course of drugs on an inpatient basis for the last two infections-so I am assuming these are unrelated infections) I am not sure what actions I can take to prevent another recurrence? No baths? Change of diet? SHe does love to eat acidic foods, oranges and olives etc, is there any way that is throwing off her PH levels and leading to an infection? We have recieved promt care from our doctor each time but very little information.
Thanks for your time.

[Dan]

Hi!

Hi I am a nurse and I try to help. I understand your frustration in regards to your daughter's condition, I would feel the same if that happens to me.

UTI among toddlers are common, especially in girls, because of the anatomy of their vaginal tract. UTI's caused by Pseudomonas is indeed rare, it often affects individuals who are immunocompromised (having weak immune systems) and those who are hooked to long-term intensive care at hospitals.

One factor that makes Pseudomonas UTI difficult is the bacterium itself; it has low susceptibility even to antibiotics that are commonly used against it. Because of this, its not surprising that infection will reoccur and antibiotics used will be changed periodically.

So in your case, I suggest you ask your doctor straight regarding your daughter's condition (its your right anyway). Always take the entire prescribed course of antibiotic treatment. Continue bathing and diligent personal hygiene and avoid giving softdrinks and citrus fruits (oranges) which could irritate the bladder.

Try cooperating with the doctor of your daughter by reporting symptoms and side effects (if any). Having a second opinion of a specialist (urologist) can also help a lot.

Thanks for posting!