Chronic UTI's in Children
My 4 year old daughter has chronic UTIs. The doctors have done several tests and have found no physical reason for the infections. We have done all suggested preventive measures...proper wiping techniques, only showers, washing after bathroom visits with clear water,have tried antibacterial wipes, drinking cranberry juice and lots of water, cranberry supplements, she drinks no sodas whatsoever and is limited to 6 oz of juice per day, we have begun checking her pH levels to determine when/what might be causing an environment that allows the bacteria to flourish,and she is on a stool softener to avoid constipation so the bladder is not blocked from emptying completely.In addition, antibiotics have had a limited effect on the bacteria. I am concerned about continuing with antibiotics, especially on a child.
My questions:
-Has anyone experienced this and have any other suggestions that don't involve antibiotics?
-I have read that D-Mannose allows the bacteria to stick to it (and then is voided) instead of the wall of the bladder. Has anyone used it and are there any side effects?
-Is anyone aware if any food reactions that can allow the bacteria a "friendly" environment to flourish?
We thank you for any suggestions.
Answers:
Urinary tract infections are reasonably common in young children, especially girls because their urethras are shorter than boys and the area is exposed to more germs. It sounds like you're taking all precautions though.
If this has been going on since birth then there is a possibility of your daughter having a minor abnormality of the urinary tract. They would need to do an x-ray or sonogram to find that out.
It is also possible to get a UTI from simply "holding it in" as well! Has she had this problem after being potty trained or is she still having problems with it? It is common for young children to hold off going to the toilet until the last possible moment -- if your daughter is doing this she has to stop.
Unfortunately I haven't heard of anything else that will help other than antibiotics, but you are doing everything right!
Answers:
has she had an ultrasound done. Where they watch the fluid? My niece did that and was put on a mild lax. called myralax and she was going to the bathroom everyday but the dr. said she was only getting rid of the lower intestines and not the top. She also had vessix(?) reflux on her left kidney. Where if it kept on she would have to be on a low dose antibiotics possibly for months, years, or the rest of her life as it could cause permant damage. Sounds like they have really been on top of this so i amsure that isn't the issue but a suggestion. Most children outgrow it.
This is just an experience that i had with her as she lived with me. I hope ya'll can figure it out as them things are very painful even for children..
good luck,
wish
Answers:
Oh, poor thing. I had my first UTI at 5. I had chronic urinary problems for years. I still have to take all kinds of measures after sex to prevent them. I can't wear thongs, have to wash with antibacterial soap, etc. I do remember them getting less frequent when I became a teenager only to come back with a vengance when I became sexually active.
Anyway, one thing to make sure of.... I always had a terrible reaction to any kind of bubble bath, perfumed soaps, etc. Not a real infection, but an irritation of the urethera that felt just like a UTI. I remember getting this after taking baths when I was little and being in tears thinking there was something wrong with me.
My symptoms improved when the doctor recommended that I only wear cotton panties and sleep with no panties on. I started doing that around five and it did help some. Plus for years I only bathed in clear water with ivory soap. If she's having reactions to perfumes or something, that will help.
You sound like you are doing everything possible! I'm afraid that I have to say she may just be prone to them forever for some reason like I am. Hang in there! I feel so bad for you and for her, because I've been there!!!!
Answers:
Oh My God if your story isn't mine. I too have been looking for some way to try to prevent them before they happen. I also was looking at the D-Mannose but was afraid to try it because it's not fda approved and she is so young. It's so hard to know when they are so young what exactly they are feeling. My daughter has at times shown UTI symptoms, but tested negative. I also allowed testing ( VCUG ) and ultra sound and have regreted it ever since. It was the most invasive procedure and now has her so frightened at the thought of going to the doctor. She's had nightmeres about the procedure and refers to the Doctors and Nurses involved as witches. She had this procedure when she was 3 and 3/4 years old. I wish she would forget it but I don't think she will. I don't understand why they couldn't have sedated her but they said no. Did you go though this with your little one? My daughter seems to have these issues after she is on a MILK kick. I try to limit her milk intake because in my opinion it could be the offender. My son has his own issues with milk as well.
My questions:
-Has anyone experienced this and have any other suggestions that don't involve antibiotics?
-I have read that D-Mannose allows the bacteria to stick to it (and then is voided) instead of the wall of the bladder. Has anyone used it and are there any side effects?
-Is anyone aware if any food reactions that can allow the bacteria a "friendly" environment to flourish?
We thank you for any suggestions.
Answers:
Urinary tract infections are reasonably common in young children, especially girls because their urethras are shorter than boys and the area is exposed to more germs. It sounds like you're taking all precautions though.
If this has been going on since birth then there is a possibility of your daughter having a minor abnormality of the urinary tract. They would need to do an x-ray or sonogram to find that out.
It is also possible to get a UTI from simply "holding it in" as well! Has she had this problem after being potty trained or is she still having problems with it? It is common for young children to hold off going to the toilet until the last possible moment -- if your daughter is doing this she has to stop.
Unfortunately I haven't heard of anything else that will help other than antibiotics, but you are doing everything right!
Answers:
has she had an ultrasound done. Where they watch the fluid? My niece did that and was put on a mild lax. called myralax and she was going to the bathroom everyday but the dr. said she was only getting rid of the lower intestines and not the top. She also had vessix(?) reflux on her left kidney. Where if it kept on she would have to be on a low dose antibiotics possibly for months, years, or the rest of her life as it could cause permant damage. Sounds like they have really been on top of this so i amsure that isn't the issue but a suggestion. Most children outgrow it.
This is just an experience that i had with her as she lived with me. I hope ya'll can figure it out as them things are very painful even for children..
good luck,
wish
Answers:
Oh, poor thing. I had my first UTI at 5. I had chronic urinary problems for years. I still have to take all kinds of measures after sex to prevent them. I can't wear thongs, have to wash with antibacterial soap, etc. I do remember them getting less frequent when I became a teenager only to come back with a vengance when I became sexually active.
Anyway, one thing to make sure of.... I always had a terrible reaction to any kind of bubble bath, perfumed soaps, etc. Not a real infection, but an irritation of the urethera that felt just like a UTI. I remember getting this after taking baths when I was little and being in tears thinking there was something wrong with me.
My symptoms improved when the doctor recommended that I only wear cotton panties and sleep with no panties on. I started doing that around five and it did help some. Plus for years I only bathed in clear water with ivory soap. If she's having reactions to perfumes or something, that will help.
You sound like you are doing everything possible! I'm afraid that I have to say she may just be prone to them forever for some reason like I am. Hang in there! I feel so bad for you and for her, because I've been there!!!!
Answers:
Oh My God if your story isn't mine. I too have been looking for some way to try to prevent them before they happen. I also was looking at the D-Mannose but was afraid to try it because it's not fda approved and she is so young. It's so hard to know when they are so young what exactly they are feeling. My daughter has at times shown UTI symptoms, but tested negative. I also allowed testing ( VCUG ) and ultra sound and have regreted it ever since. It was the most invasive procedure and now has her so frightened at the thought of going to the doctor. She's had nightmeres about the procedure and refers to the Doctors and Nurses involved as witches. She had this procedure when she was 3 and 3/4 years old. I wish she would forget it but I don't think she will. I don't understand why they couldn't have sedated her but they said no. Did you go though this with your little one? My daughter seems to have these issues after she is on a MILK kick. I try to limit her milk intake because in my opinion it could be the offender. My son has his own issues with milk as well.