Urinary tract infection in children: diagnosis and treatment.

The history and the physical examination are important and rewarding in the assessment of urinary tract infection in children. Urinary tract infection is usually an ascending infection; periurethral colonization is fundamental to its pathogenesis. It is important to treat predisposing factors, such as poor personal hygiene, diarrhea, and diaper rash. Parents should be specifically instructed on the proper procedures for introital and foreskin cleansing. To minimize the risk of urinary tract infection, children should be encouraged to void frequently and instructed not to hold their urine. Antibiotics should be chosen after taking into account the susceptibilities of the common bacterial pathogens and antibiotics received by the child. Consideration of the symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan.