One of the most common hidden causes of unexplained fever in children is urinary tract infection. It is easily missed, especially in babies, because the classic complaint of "burning when urinating" is absent.

Symptoms by Age

In babies: Unexplained fever, irritability, vomiting, reduced feeding, foul-smelling urine, failure to gain weight In older children: Burning when urinating, frequent urination, abdominal/flank pain, the return of bedwetting, cloudy and foul-smelling urine; in kidney involvement, high fever and chills

Diagnosis

  • Complete urinalysis + urine culture (must be taken before starting antibiotics!)
  • Correct sample: midstream urine in a toilet-trained child, and if necessary a catheter sample in a baby
  • In recurrent UTIs, reflux (VUR) is investigated with ultrasound and, if needed, advanced imaging

Treatment

The antibiotic appropriate for the culture result is used for the full course — it is not stopped halfway even if symptoms improve within 2 days. Early treatment prevents the development of scarring in the kidney.

The 5 Keys to Preventing Recurrence

  1. The habit of drinking plenty of water
  2. Treatment of constipation — a full bowel impairs bladder emptying
  3. Front-to-back wiping in girls
  4. Not delaying urination, going to the toilet every 2-3 hours
  5. Cotton underwear, avoiding bubble baths