Urine infection

What it is

An infection in the bladder or the tubes leading to it. Common, and straightforward to treat once it is confirmed.

When to seek urgent care

There is fever with pain in the back or side, vomiting, blood in the urine, or you are pregnant - an infection that has reached the kidneys is a different and more serious illness.

How it shows

Burning or stinging when passing urine, needing to go often and urgently, passing only a little, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain low in the abdomen.

What to do

See a clinician and give a urine sample. Drink plenty of water meanwhile.

Bladder infection or something else?

A urine infection often causes burning, urgency and frequent small amounts of urine. A strong smell alone may simply reflect concentrated urine. Vaginal irritation, an STI or a stone can cause similar discomfort.

A clinician may request a urine sample, particularly in pregnancy, recurrent infection or complicated illness. Mention discharge, genital sores, recent sexual exposure and any antibiotics taken. Children, pregnant people and men with symptoms should get prompt clinical assessment.

Recovery and reducing recurrence

Drink enough to avoid dehydration and take prescribed treatment as directed. Return if symptoms worsen or are not improving after 48 hours. Fever, shivering or pain in the back below the ribs may mean the kidneys are involved and needs urgent care.

Avoid holding urine for long periods and empty the bladder fully. Wipe from front to back and avoid irritating perfumed products. Cranberry drinks and cystitis products do not cure an established infection. Repeated episodes deserve a review rather than repeatedly buying the same antibiotic.

Sources

1. Urinary tract infections · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0
2. Sexually transmitted infections · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.