For parents, spotting the signs of a cold or tummy bug is fairly easy. But what do you do when your child comes to you and says “Mommy, it burns when I pee!” It could be a sign that it’s time to see your pediatrician who may refer you to a pediatric urologist like Dr. Kristina Suson.

Dr. Suson, one of the experts at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan-DMC, pediatric urologists know that bladder and kidney problems can look very different in children than they do in adults. That’s why it’s important to take your child to a pediatric urologist when dealing with issues such as UTIs (urinary tract infections) and bed wetting – someone who specializes in kids!

Who’s at risk for UTIs in kids? Uncircumcised boys in the first year of life are at a high risk. After that, UTIs become much more common in girls.

If you notice your child holding in pee or rushing to pee, that can be a sign of UTIs: bedwetting, too, especially if the child is over the age of six.

And UTIs can be of two kinds – kidney and bladder, with kidney infections having the potential to be much more serious and impact renal function.

How do you know the difference? Fever, nausea and vomiting, and back pain all raise flags as possible indicators of a kidney infection.

Dr. Suson also points out that you don’t just look at how a child is peeing but also how they are pooping. One of the first questions she asks is how a child is pooping. It turns out constipation can be a cause of a UTI and even bed wetting. Treatments would include a mild laxative and hydration – making sure a child drinks enough during the day so you can safely limit fluid intake at night. You can also have your child pee every two hours, making sure they take their time and empty their bladder.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatric specialist, call 313-745-KIDS or look for more information on our website, Children’s Hospital of Michigan