Customer question:
How long does a urinary tract infection last in a child? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The duration of a uroinfection (urinary tract infection) in a child depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the part of the urinary tract that is affected, and the effectiveness of treatment. UTIs in children are usually treated with antibiotics.
Mild lower urinary tract infections, such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), may begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. However, even if symptoms improve sooner, the child must take the prescribed antibiotic, which usually lasts 7 to 14 days.
Although symptoms such as pain when urinating, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain may begin to improve within the first few days of treatment, it may take a few days to a week to completely disappear. If symptoms persist after the antibiotic treatment is completed, it makes sense to revisit the doctor. For more severe infections, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), the duration of the illness and treatment may take longer. Children with pyelonephritis may require prolonged antibiotic treatment, sometimes intravenously, and it may take several days or even weeks for full recovery.
After treatment, a follow-up examination, including a urinalysis, is often necessary to ensure the infection has completely cleared. Further testing and evaluation may be necessary to determine any structural or functional problems in the urinary tract if infections recur.
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