A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter part of the urinary system. It can affect the bladder, urethra and, in more serious cases, the kidneys.
Recognising possible symptoms can help people seek treatment early.
1. Burning during urination: A painful or burning sensation when passing urine is a common symptom.
2. Frequent urination: You may feel the need to urinate more often than usual.
3. Sudden urgency: Some people experience a strong urge to urinate even when the bladder contains very little urine.
4. Lower abdominal discomfort: Bladder infections can cause pressure or pain in the lower abdomen.
5. Cloudy urine: Urine may appear cloudy, although this can have causes other than infection.
6. Blood in the urine: A UTI can sometimes cause visible blood, but blood in urine should always be medically assessed.
7. Fever and back pain: These symptoms may suggest that an infection has reached the kidneys, especially when accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
What should you do? Seek medical assessment if you suspect a UTI. A urine test may be recommended, and bacterial infections may require prescribed antibiotics.
Drink fluids normally unless you have been advised to restrict them. Do not use leftover antibiotics or rely on herbal mixtures to treat a suspected infection.
Seek urgent care if you develop fever, chills, vomiting, severe back or side pain, confusion or marked weakness.
Final thoughts: UTIs are treatable, but delaying care can allow some infections to become more serious. Proper testing and appropriate treatment are important.
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