Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Home Treatment

Starting home treatment at the first signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in your child may prevent the problem from getting worse and help clear up your child's infection.

• Encourage—but do not force—your child to drink extra fluids as soon as you notice the symptoms and for the next 24 hours. These fluids will help dilute the urine, flush bacteria out of the bladder, and decrease irritation. Do not give your child caffeinated or carbonated beverages, which can irritate the bladder.
• Encourage your child to urinate often and to empty his or her bladder each time.

Note: Remember that home treatment is not a substitute for professional care and evaluation. If you think your child may have a UTI, a doctor should see him or her right away.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.