Is your child screaming while urinating? Take action now!
Many parents wonder what's normal and what's not when it comes to their baby. But sometimes the parents get concerned when their babies cry while urinating. Most often this is related to pain and with some underlying condition. Urinating should never be a painful experience. Inform your paediatrician if you see any indicators of concern when the child is urinating. This could indicate an infection or other issue with the urinary tract.
Let's take a look at some of the causes why a baby cries while urinating.
Possible Reasons for Painful Urination
Crying while urinating could be due to various reasons. And there's a distinction to be made between crying for several minutes and crying for a few seconds.
Discomfort or Pain
Pain while urinating is the most common symptom and it can be caused due to various reasons, including:
- Infection in the urinary tract
- Irritation or injury of the genital area
It should be noted that some Pediatricians suggest, crying before urinating is quite normal and common for babies. This can be caused due to urinary discomfort when the bladder is filled and leads to pressure and passage of the urine.
But if your baby is crying continuously while urinating then there can be serious problems. Before getting to any conclusion talk to the pediatrician.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects the child's kidneys and ureters that connect them to the bladder and urethra where urine exits the body. Bacteria get into the urinary tract through the skin and around their rectum and genitals or through the bloodstream from any part of the body. Babies in diapers are at high risk for urinary tract infections as it keep the area warm, moist, and thus ideal for bacteria growth.
UTIs in children often go undetected because the child is very young to express the symptoms. Urinary tract infections must be treated early to avoid the infection from spreading and causing kidney damage.
Symptoms of UTI
- Fever
- Foul-smelling or blood in the urination
- Irritability with no clear cause
- Vomiting
- Refusing to eat
Diaper Rash and Irritation
Urinating may become difficult or painful if the baby has a diaper rash or other irritation around their genitals. This may cause children to cry while urinating. Examine the baby's diaper area for any signs of redness or irritation. Urine can irritate the skin, thus the diaper rash doesn't have to be close to the urethra to cause discomfort.
Some common symptoms of Diaper Rash:
- Red or tender-looking skin in the diaper area
- Changes in the child's behaviour. You may notice that your infant is more restless than usual, particularly during diaper changes.
Elimination Communication, also known as Natural Infant Hygiene, is another probable cause of your baby's crying. Some babies go through this process on an innate level. Some Elimination Communication signs additional to crying include:
- Sudden fussiness
- Flailing or being agitated
- Shivering
- Unlatching while nursing
- Grunting, turning red OR straining
Other Possible Causes
Prevention Tips
- Use mild soap or lukewarm water to clean the genital area.
- Change stained or very wet diapers as soon as possible.
- Remind kids to go to the bathroom often.
Treatment for Urine Infections in Children
To avoid kidney damage, the child's UTI will require immediate antibiotic treatment. The antibiotic used and the length of treatment will be determined by the type of bacteria causing your child's UTI and the severity of the illness.
If your child has a UTI that is identified as a minor bladder infection then oral antibiotics will most likely be prescribed. On the other, hand serious illness may necessitate hospitalisation and IV fluids or antibiotics.
When to Consult the Pediatrician
If you suspect that the child is suffering from any of the above-mentioned causes then contact the pediatrician immediately. The doctor will conduct tests to identify the problem and the cause of painful urination. Seek medical attention if you suspect a kidney infection as this can cause long-term damage to the kidneys, and some acute kidney infections can be fatal.
