Urinary tract infection generally refers to a bacterial infection in the urinary tract and associated structures such as the urinary bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Urinary tract infections in teens may result in pain and discomfort if it involves only the lower urinary tract (urinary bladder and urethra). On the other hand, upper urinary tract infections may affect the ureters and kidneys and may have serious consequences. However, advanced infections are not as common as lower urinary tract infections. In this post, we discuss the causes, risk factors, signs, and symptoms of urinary tract infections. Diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures are also included.
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections In Teens
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria cause about 90% of UTIs. They usually migrate from the anal region or the skin to the urinary system, resulting in bladder infection (cystitis) (1) (2). Vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine from the bladder to kidneys) may cause kidney infection (pyelonephritis) (2). Girls have a higher risk of developing UTI than boys due to the anatomy of the urethra (2). Structural anomalies in the urinary system can be the causes of recurrent urinary tract infections in younger children. In teens and young adults, UTIs could be related to sexual activity than structural abnormalities.
Risk Factors Of Urinary Tract Infection In Teens
Most girls may have more than one urinary tract infection during a lifetime. The following factors may increase the risk of getting UTIs in women (2) (3).
Anatomy of the urinary system: Girls have a shorter urethra than boys. This makes it easier for the bacteria to reach the bladder.
Sexual activity: Teenage girls may have UTIs after sexual activity. Sometimes having a new sexual partner may cause UTI.
Birth control methods: Usage of diaphragms and certain spermicides may increase the risk of UTI in girls.
Not practicing proper toilet hygiene: Wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTIs since bacteria from the anal area may reach the urethral opening.
Poor water intake: Not drinking enough water may increase the risk of getting UTI in girls and women. Water helps dilute urine and makes it harder for bacteria to grow.
The risk factors of urinary tract infections common for girls and boys are the following (4).
Urinary tract abnormalities: Structural anomalies of the urinary tract may increase the risk of getting a UTI due to reduced urinary flow, back flow of urine to the urethra, etc.
Urinary tract blockages: Kidney stones may block the flow of urine. Prostate enlargement could inhibit the flow of urine in boys.
Low immunity: Teens with diseases and conditions that cause weak immunity may have an increased risk of UTIs since the immune system fails to fight against pathogens.
Urinary catheterization: Teens who received urinary catheters during hospitalization or due to urological problems may be prone to UTIs (5).
Urinary procedures: Urinary surgery or insertion of cystoscope may increase the risk of UTIs (6).
Although there is a risk of urinary tract infection following urinary procedures and surgeries, sterile methods of insertion and other prophylactic measures may decrease the risk of UTIs.
Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection In Teens
The following symptoms are seen in urinary tract infections (7). Some chronic diseases may also cause dark-colored or cloudy urine with a foul smell. Urinalysis and urine culture may help diagnose these symptoms accurately.
When To Call A Doctor
Seek medical help if your teen has fever, chills, vomiting, or back pain as these could be symptoms of kidney infection. Call the doctor if the symptoms are not relieved through prescribed oral antibiotic treatment or recur within a few days.
What Are The Long-term Concerns For Children With UTIs?
If left untreated, urinary tract infections may lead to complications in teens. The consequences of UTIs may include (8):
Recurrent infections
Acute or chronic pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
Permanent kidney damage
Boys may develop urethral stricture (narrowing), especially in the case of gonococcal urethritis
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition due to an exacerbated immune system response to an infection
Diagnosis Of Urinary Tract Infection In Teens
The diagnosis of urinary tract infection can be made using the following tests and procedures (9):
Urinalysis: Urine sample analysis in the lab helps identify the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria in the urine.
Urine culture: Bacteria causing UTI can be identified in urine culture, and this may also help identify effective medications and antibiotic treatments.
Imaging of the urinary system: CT, MRI, or ultrasound may help visualize the urinary system. Imaging may help diagnose anatomical abnormalities and kidney stones.
Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a thin tube is inserted into the urinary tract for visualization, especially in recurrent UTIs.
Treatment For Urinary Tract Infection In Teens
Antibiotic treatment is required to cure urinary tract infection in most cases. Your teen’s doctor may choose the type of antibiotic depending on the type of bacteria and your teen’s health condition. Some may require pain medications to manage the burning sensation due to UTI. However, most teens may have pain relievers after initial doses of antibiotics. Treatment for one or three days may be enough to treat minor infections. Simple or minor urinary tract infections are treated with the following medications (10).
Ceftriaxone Keflex (cephalexin) Macrodantin or Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) Monurol (fosfomycin) Bactrim or Septra (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or TMP/SMX)
More potent antibiotics are prescribed for complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis (kidney infection). Fluoroquinolones are usually prescribed for severe infections when the benefits outweigh the risks of complicated UTIs (10). The commonly prescribed fluoroquinolones are :
Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Levaquin (levofloxacin)
Frequent infections may require long-term treatment, and your teen may have to take single-dose antibiotic therapy if UTI is associated with sexual activity. You may have to discuss with the doctor for the best treatment method, depending on the cause of infection. Most teens get well in a few days of oral antibiotic treatment. However, your teen has to complete the prescribed course of antibiotic treatment to avoid future infections, even if they do not have any symptoms. Your teen may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics treatment in the case of severe UTI.
Home Remedies For UTI In Teens
Teens may complain of a burning sensation, pain, and discomfort if they have urinary tract infections. You may try some of the following home remedies to help reduce the pain until the infection is resolved (11).
Drink plenty of water Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry tablets Eat probiotic foods containing lactobacillus Avoid alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks Place warm pads on the abdomen to ease pain
You may ask your teen girl to follow the below-listed tips during UTIs.
Wear loose-fitting cotton inner wears Use sanitary pads instead of tampons if they have menstruation Take a shower, avoid bath and bath oils Avoid douching
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In Teens?
The following ways may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (12).
Drinking plenty of water could help dilute the urine and remove bacteria from the urinary tract.
Drinking cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs. Although there are minimal scientific studies to prove the efficacy of cranberry juice in UTI prevention, it is not harmful to try.
Wiping from front to back may prevent bacteria from the anal region to reach the urethral opening.
Urinate and wash the vaginal area before and after sexual intercourse.
Avoid using douches, powders, or deodorants in the genital area as they may irritate the urethra.
Change birth control methods if they are the sources of infection in sexually active teens. Male condoms are better alternatives to prevent UTIs and other sexually transmitted diseases.
