Whatis the urinary tract?The urinary tract is the system of organsthat makes, stores, and carries urine out of the body. The organs in theurinary tract are the:●Kidneys – The kidneys make urine.●Ureters – The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from thekidneys to the bladder.●Bladder – The bladder stores urine.●Urethra – The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of thebody.Whatcauses a urinary tract infection?A urinary tractinfection (or "UTI") is usually caused by bacteria. Normally,bacteria are not in the urinary tract. But if they travel up the urethra andget into the bladder or kidneys, they can cause a UTI.Childrencan have a higher chance of getting a UTI if:●Their urinary system didn't form normally before birth.●Their bladder doesn't work normally.●They are male and are not circumcised. (Circumcision is surgeryto remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis.)Whatare the symptoms of a UTI?Symptoms depend on the child's age andability to talk.Childrenyounger than 2 years old, and children who cannot talk, can have 1 or more ofthe following:●Fever – This might be a child's only symptom.●Acting fussyChildrenage 2 years and older who are able to complain can have:●Pain or a burning feeling when they urinate●A need to urinate more often than usual●New problems with bedwetting or daytime wetting (in children whoare toilet trained)●Pain in the lower belly or on the sides of the back (figure 2)●FeverIsthere a test for a UTI?Yes. To check for a UTI, the doctor ornurse will do tests on your child's urine. To give a urine sample, your childwill need to urinate into a container at the doctor's office.Ifyour child is not toilet trained, the doctor or nurse can get a sample of urinefrom your child's bladder. One way to do this is for the doctor or nurse to puta thin tube in your child's urethra and up into the bladder to drain a sampleof urine. Then, they will remove the tube and test the urine.Howare UTIs treated?UTIs are treated with antibiotic medicines. These medicines killthe bacteria causing the infection.Yourchild's symptoms should start improving within 1 to 2 days after starting themedicine. It is important that your child take the medicine exactly asdirected. If they don't, the infection could come back.Whenshould I call the doctor or nurse?Call the doctor ornurse if your child's symptoms don't get better or get worse, or if your childis not able to take the medicine.Youshould also call if your child gets symptoms of another UTI in the future.Whatif my child gets UTIs a lot?If your child getsUTIs a lot, your child's doctor might recommend that your child take anantibiotic every day. This can help prevent them from getting more UTIs.