Cystitis is the form of urinary tract infection limited to the bladder. It is more common in girls because the urethra is short. What distinguishes it from an infection that reaches the kidney (pyelonephritis) is that fever is usually absent or mild and there is no flank pain.

Symptoms

  • Burning or stinging when urinating
  • Frequent urination in small amounts; a sudden, urgent need to go
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Foul-smelling, cloudy urine, sometimes with a pink-bloody appearance
  • A toilet-trained child starting to have daytime accidents again

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis is made with a urinalysis and a urine culture; the culture should be taken before starting antibiotics. Treatment uses an antibiotic chosen according to the culture result, and the full course is completed. Plenty of fluids supports recovery.

To Prevent Recurrence

  • Sitting comfortably on the toilet without leaning forward; in girls, wipe from front to back
  • Tackling the habit of holding urine for long periods (children who avoid the bathroom at school!)
  • Treating constipation — a full bowel impairs bladder emptying
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Avoiding bubble baths and irritating soaps

When to See a Doctor?

Seek care without delay when symptoms begin; if high fever, flank/back pain, or vomiting are added, the infection may have progressed to the kidney — this picture is more urgent. In recurrent cystitis, underlying causes (voiding dysfunction, reflux) are investigated.

📅 Online appointment for your child: Specialist Dr. Hasan Keleş — appointment page

Related articles: Urinary tract infection · Urinary incontinence

This article is for general information only; it is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult a pediatric specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Gaziantep