Dysuria, Uncertain Cause (Child)
The urethra is the channel that passes urine from the bladder. In a girl, the opening of the urethra is above the vagina. In a boy, it is at the tip of the penis. "Dysuria" is feeling pain or burning in the urethra when passing urine (peeing).
Dysuria can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the urethra. The cause for your child's dysuria is not certain. It can be caused by incontinence (leaking of urine from the urinary tract), or the most common cause of dysuria in young children is chemical irritation. Soaps, bubble baths, or skin lotions that get inside the urethra can cause this reaction. Symptoms will get better in 1 to 3 days after the last exposure.
Sometimes a bladder infection causes dysuria. A urine test can show this. A bacterial bladder infection is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes children can get a viral infection of the bladder. This will get better with time. No antibiotics are needed for a viral infection.
Dysuria may also occur in young girls with inflammation in the outer vaginal area (rash or vaginal infection). Treatment is directed at the cause of the outer vaginal irritation. Your child may be given a cream for this.
A vaginal infection may cause vaginal discharge and dysuria. A culture can diagnose this. Treatment with antibiotics may be needed.
Labial adhesions are a common cause of dysuria in young girls. Parts of the labia are attached together. A small tear can cause pain. The tear will get better on its own, but an estrogen cream can be used to help treat the adhesions.
Minor trauma as a result from activities or self-exploration can also lead to dysuria.
Home Care
The following tips will help you care for your child at home:
- Wash the genitals gently with a washcloth and soapy water. Make sure soap doesn't get inside the urethra. Dry the area well.
- If you think bubble bath soap caused the reaction, don't use bubble baths in the future.
- Over-the-counter diaper creams or ointments that are petroleum based may be used to help with irritation in the genital area.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider, or as advised. If a culture specimen was taken, you may call for the result as directed.
When to seek medical advice
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
- Symptoms don't go away after 3 days
- Fever (See Fever and children, below)
- Inability to urinate (pee) due to pain
- Increased redness or rash in the genital area
- Discharge/bloody drainage from the penis or vagina
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Fever and children
Always use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Never use a mercury thermometer.
For infants and toddlers, be sure to use a rectal thermometer correctly. A rectal thermometer may accidentally poke a hole in (perforate) the rectum. It may also pass on germs from the stool. Always follow the product maker’s directions for proper use. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a rectal temperature, use another method. When you talk to your child’s healthcare provider, tell him or her which method you used to take your child’s temperature.
Here are guidelines for fever temperature. Ear temperatures aren’t accurate before 6 months of age. Don’t take an oral temperature until your child is at least 4 years old.
Infant under 3 months old:
- Ask your child’s healthcare provider how you should take the temperature.
- Rectal or forehead (temporal artery) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
- Armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
Child age 3 to 36 months:
- Rectal, forehead (temporal artery), or ear temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
- Armpit temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
Child of any age:
- Repeated temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
- Fever that lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years old. Or a fever that lasts for 3 days in a child 2 years or older.
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© The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.