Diagnosing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections in the Outpatient Setting

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common diagnosis that brings children to seek medical care. It is the second most common bacterial infection in children after otitis media. However, diagnosing UTIs can be challenging, particularly in younger children, given that the symptoms may be nonspecific and it may be logistically difficult to obtain an appropriate urine sample. Importantly, if not correctly identified and treated, infections of the urinary tract can lead to complications, including renal scarring, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Thus, it is critical for pediatric providers to recognize, diagnose, and treat UTI appropriately. This article aims to provide a general overview of the risk factors for UTI as well as a practical approach to diagnosing and treating UTIs in children in the outpatient setting.