NKF Trade Mark NKF Helpline (0845) 601 02 09 Children with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection
A guide for families

High-visibility version


Page 3

Children’s Leaflets

Contact Us

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS (complaints or signs) OF A UTI IN CHILDREN?

Cartoon of UTI symptoms

A lot of children have bladder or cystitis like symptoms which include:

  1. Discomfort or crying when the child passes urine - this is called dysuria. Because of the discomfort you might notice your child being reluctant to go to the toilet.
  2. The child needs to go to the toilet very frequently.
  3. The child begins to wet his or her pants during the day or night.
  4. The urine is cloudy and strong smelling.
  5. The urine has blood in it - this is called haematuria.
  6. The child may complain of tummy pain.

Some children may have a more severe infection involving the kidneys called pyelenephritis and we suspect this when they have a very high temperature, severe stomach or back pains, vomiting and are unwell.

<< page 2                                          Contents Page                                           page 4 >>

NKF Controlled Document No. 119, Children with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection — A guide for families — What are the symptoms (complaints or signs) of a UTI in children?, written 16 July 2004. Last reviewed 3 May 2011.


Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals.


The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.


new NKF logoThe National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Registered Office:- The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW, Tel: (01909) 544999, Fax: (01909) 481723, Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09, E-mail: click here to E-mail NKF on facebook Fundraising on facebook Follow us on twitter

Union Flag This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster

Page created: 16 July 2004

Last updated: 27 February 2011