Uti in 5 year old that wont go

[Spatsky]

Hi there, we are seeing doctor after school but I am really concerned and would appreciate hearing wise words before then.

My daughter had a few utis at about 3, they cleared quickly on antibiotics and after two of them was referred to a consultant and had bladder and kidney scans that showed no anatomical problems. She had preventative antibiotics for about a year and all was fine and she stopped then.

Then just after Christmas she got another, antibiotics did nothing so they started her on a different cause but a few days after she finished them she was In extreme pain again and we ended up in hospital where they gave her yet another course which she finished about a week ago but we just got a call from the doctor saying her latest sample, given a few days ago, is still showing infection present.

Doctor is calling us in this afternoon after school but I am completely on edge and worried about why this uti is not responding to any antibiotics. All symptoms appear to be gone at the moment but infection is still there.

Anyone had similar experience? Is this more common than I am imagining? Wha else can they do if the antibiotics aren't shifting the infection?

Tia

Do you know if her urine sample was sent to the lab to be tested so that the actual bug was identified? That way the 'right' antibiotic can be prescribed rather than a general one which may not be effective for the particular infection?

Hi seeline, yes it was. The first antibiotic was just the general one, but the second and third types were prescribed based on lab results on the samples.

It's worrying isn't it? My DD(8) had one just before Christmas and was given general ab's which seemed to work. Out of hours doc so no testing other than the dip stick. Then 2 weeks ago she started complaining of stomach ache - no other symptons. I took her to the docs after a week as at first I thought she was just moaning abit. THe doc did another dip test and said there were signs of infection so gave her another course of ab's. THe samle sent to the lab came back as OK for those. She finished them on Sunday and has not complained of tummy ache since Friday so fingers crossed. I know if I get cystitis, I often get several attacks close together. My GP said it's because the lining of the bladder is irritated by the first attack and therefore more sensitive to bacteria which may trigger further attacks until it has time to heal.....
At least it sounds as though your GP is onto it. Maybe it's a case of stronger ab's or for longer. Hope she is on the mend soon.

Sorry to hear about your daughter seeline. I have been wondering whether it is the same infection not going or whether she is getting a new one immediately after she stops taking the meds. The doctor is describing it as if its the same infection persisting, but this is something I will clarify with him this afternoon.

She does get constipated which I suspect is the cause, or a factor at least, but I am more concerned about treatment not working on the current infection at the moment as she has basically had this for a month now and I'm worried about her little kidneys.

I hope the doc has some answers for you. It's hard when you're kids are in pain and you can't really do anyhting
My GP said constipation could be cause so maybe sorting htat would help.
As I said, at least your GP is keeping an eye on things. Good luck with it all.

This happened to my dd at around 3/4. The infection kept mutating and she had a few courses of antibiotics until it finally cleared. She's now 11 and has had one since then which also needed a couple of different antibiotics to clear up.

Thanks seeline and orange, I appreciate your responses.

Does she know about the proper hygiene etc down there - sorry I know this sounds horrible, but if she's touching etc she might be transferring bacteria and prolonging the infection? Especially if it's itchy or hurting her :(

We've talked about wiping front to back and making sure she's completely clean when she wipes. Haven't really talked about touching down there as such, it hasn't really come up as I've not notice anything like that from her but def worth a gentle conversation, thanks.

My dd8 has had recurrent utis since she was 3 or so. It's awful I suspect it was mainly to do with having trouble pooing. She got into the habit of not going when she should, she had constipation on and off. It was like a vicious cycle. She went on long term abs I didn't like it at the time but as paed explained their little kidneys are so susceptible to damage when they're developing. Unfortunealy my dd has a small scar on one of her kidneys now.

She's much improved now but still had one fairly recently. Ensure she is squeaky clean. I used to clean her with a base oil with a few drops of tea tree and other oils. If she gets irritation down there, try a vinegar bath. My dd has been beside herself in the middle of the night with irritation and this seems to help. Lots of water or at least weak squash not blackcurrant. Juice can irritate the bladder. I also give her probiotics ESP if she's been on abs. Don't know if this helps at all or not but I have to try everything.

There are other things we've tried as its been going on for so long. Is she dry at night? If not does she still wear a nappy?

Oh and btw I noticed that my dd was wiping front to back but she was using the same piece of tissue!! I didn't realise, how stupid was I? Perfect example of dangerous assumptions, well to be fair, it hadn't even occurred to me.