Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for a urinary tract infection ("UTI"). A UTI can affect:
●The bladder (lower urinary tract) – This is called "cystitis."
●The kidneys (upper urinary tract) – This is called "pyelonephritis." A kidney infection is more serious, and can lead to other serious problems if it is not treated properly.
The doctor probably your child antibiotics. It is very important they finish all the medicine, even if they start to feel better.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. If your child had a fever, they might need to see a specialist.
●Offer your child lots of fluids to drink. Offer your baby regular feedings of breast milk or formula. This helps keep them hydrated.
●Encourage your child to urinate frequently throughout the day.
●Make sure your child has regular bowel movements. If they are hard, irregular, or painful, try giving your child a stool softener. This might help prevent future UTIs.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if your child:
•Has very bad pain in their back, shoulder, or belly
•Has a very fast or very slow heartbeat
•Is breathing very fast
•Is urinating much less than usual
•Has cool, clammy skin
•Seems irritated, anxious, or confused
•Is very tired or sleeping more than usual
•Has a new skin rash
•Cannot keep any fluids down, has not had anything to drink in many hours, and has 1 or more of these:
-Your child is not as alert as usual, is very sleepy, or is much less active.
-Your child is crying all the time.
-Your infant has not had a wet diaper for over 8 hours.
-Your older child has not urinated for over 12 hours.
-Your child's skin is cool.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your child is vomiting and cannot take their antibiotics.
●Your child has severe pain when urinating.
●Your child's urine is bloody.
●Your child's symptoms are not getting better 48 hours after starting treatment.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms, or their symptoms return after finishing treatment.
Patient education: Urinary tract infections in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Urinary tract infections in children (Beyond the Basics)
