Final answer:
It is true that UTIs are more likely in children under 3 years old and during pregnancy due to anatomical and physiological factors. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential for managing these infections in high-risk populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children under 3 years old and during pregnancy are indeed more likely. This confidence is drawn from clinical observation and statistical data. UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections and happen when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract are introduced into the urinary tract. Among the population at higher risk are young children and pregnant women.
Several factors contribute to this increased risk, and they vary from anatomical changes during pregnancy to the undeveloped immune system in young children. The females' shorter urethra, its proximity to the anus, and the changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy facilitate the ascent of bacteria, leading to infection. Moreover, during pregnancy, physiological alterations in the urinary system occur that predispose to stagnation of urine and thus increase the risk of UTIs. It's also crucial to note that prompt and effective treatment of UTIs is essential to prevent potential complications, particularly in these high-risk groups. Antibiotics are the primary treatment modality for UTIs after a pathogen has been identified.