If urine infections occur repeatedly and are not treated, this may lead to kidney damage, high blood pressure and poor growth. Kidney damage can occur if a child has an infection with or without bladder reflux. Most kidney damage occurs before five years of age and may occur before birth. Early detection and treatment may prevent serious problems occurring. We do not know how to stop a child from getting a urine infection.
Parents have an important role to play in prevention.
If children who have had one infection get a fever, a sample of urine should be collected and tested. Long-term antibiotics are sometimes given to children who have bladder reflux or more than one infection. Summary Urine infections are common. They can be serious because they can cause kidney damage. It is important to investigate all children who have had a urine infection.