I think it's a UTI...

[purplestraws]

So, the last day or so my DS has had a really strange smelling urine. Kind of fishy smelling... Yesterday evening he developed a bit of a fever. I did some checking and I'm pretty sure it's a UTI.

Do I have to call his doctor, or can I try to treat it at home? With what? (I've treated them for myself at home, but don't know if it's more concerning with a toddler?)

Is this something I need to be concerned about, like, long-term? Is it more likely to happen again? Does it signal any other problems? Or is it just the luck of the draw?

I know this isn't necessarily related to circumcision, but I'm freaking out about it a little bit and know I can get help here. Don't want to get the standard "you need to circumcise him" line...

Help please!

[laidbackmomto2]

Symptoms of UTI include:

• Fever
• Pain on urination
• Pain in the lower back (kidneys)
• Concentrated urine (dark yellow)
• Frequency of urination (feeling the need to go all the time)
• Smelly urine
• Blood in urine

The odor of urine can change depending on what one has eaten (think asparagus). Can't think what would make it "fishy" smelling though. Did he eat something different in the last few days?

With the onset of fever, you are wise to think infection, but it may not necessarily be UTI (absent any of the other symptoms).

It can't hurt to have a urine sample tested. If you are concerned about the means your doctor may take to get the urine sample (think forced retraction), you may try to collect one at home and bring it with you to the doctor. Try attaching a baggie to his penis and keep it in his diaper. Keep the sample refridgerated until your appt.

If you're worried about your doctor pushing circumcision, circumvent this up front by stating firmly "circumcision is not an option". Any doctor recommending this for one UTI should lose his/her license in my opinion.

You may want to try to increase his fluids. Is he EBF? Drinking from a cup yet?

Cranberry is supposed to be good to treat UTI (makes the urinary tract not "sticky" to bacteria). You could try some pure cranberry juice diluted with a sweeter juice, such as apple to make it palatable for him (I find cranberry alone just too bitter).

Hope he feels better soon!

Cindy
Lindsey (96/02/26)
Jason (00/06/08)

[purplestraws]

Thanks for the response!

I went ahead and took him to the doctor. He was totally great about everything. He basically just said that it sounds like a UTI, but because his fever has gone down, he doesn't want to go to the trouble of getting a sample to do a culture. He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and told me that if DS spikes a fever or starts acting like he's uncomfortable during urination then to go ahead and start them, but other than that...just push fluids and if I really want to, give him some cranberry juice.

His diapers haven't been smelly this afternoon, and he doesn't have a fever at all now. Looks like he might have kicked it himself... I'm very relieved!

[laidbackmomto2]

That's great to hear that his symptoms have subsided!

Not sure I like your doctor's response though. Fevers can be brought on by a huge number of things (bacterial and viral). And each type of bacteria responds better to different types of antibiotics.

If he spikes a temp, how will you know it's not just a random virus and no need for antibiotics? Antibiotics are hugely over-prescribed and they do throw off the complex balance of our internal biological systems.

Blah, I'd rather have a sample cultured to ensure there's a reason for the antibiotics and not just a guess. Isn't that what a doctor is for? <end rant>

Cindy

Lindsey (96/02/26)
Jason (00/06/08)

[l_olive]

And please be aware that a course of antibiotics can sometimes result in an overabundance of yeast and that can cause redness, itching and swelling of the foreskin.