Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Children with UTIs may also: In older, frail people who have problems with memory, learning and concentration (such as dementia), and people with a
urinary catheter, symptoms of a UTI may also include: Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated as it could cause sepsis. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Treatment from a GPIf a GP thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed. A GP may also:
It's important to take all the medicine you're prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Treatment from a GP for UTIs that keep coming backIf your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms. This may mean you have a long-term (chronic) UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments. Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over. Things you can do yourselfTo help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, there's no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started. A pharmacist can help with UTIsYou can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI. A pharmacist can:
Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed. Find a pharmacy Causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs)Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
How to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)There are some things you can try to help prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) happening or prevent it returning. Do
Don’t
Other ways to prevent some UTIs coming backIf you keep getting a bladder infection (cystitis), there is some evidence it may be helpful to take:
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy. Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. If you're taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products. Page last reviewed: 22 March 2022 How long does a bladder infection last?Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment. But make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help with any pain.
How serious is a bladder infection?Bladder infections are often more annoying than they are serious. But they can travel up to your kidneys, where they can cause more severe problems. So it's important to treat bladder infections right away. Doctors usually use antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
What's the difference between a UTI and a bladder infection?Bladder infections are a type of UTI, but not all urinary tract infections are bladder infections. A UTI is defined as an infection in one or more places in the urinary tract—the ureters, kidneys, urethra, and/or bladder. A bladder infection is a UTI that's only located in the bladder.
Can a bladder infection go away on its own?“A bladder infection can get better on its own, but most of the time it doesn't. If your symptoms are minor, it's reasonable to try extra fluids and cranberry products to see if it resolves over the course of a day. If it doesn't, work with your doctor to get a urine test or visit urgent care.
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