A UTI is an infections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body). Symptoms of UTIs include:
- increasing (and sometimes sudden) urge to urinate and pain or discomfort when urinating
- feeling as though you’re unable to empty your bladder fully
- lower abdomen pain
- cloudy, foul-smelling urine or containing blood
- general feeling of illness
An infection of the upper UTI (kidneys or ureters) cause the above symptoms but also more extreme symptoms such as:
- a high temperature of 38C (100.4ºF)
- pain in sides or back
- shivering and chills
- feeling and being sick
- confusion
- agitation or restlessness
Upper UTIs can cause damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream and need to be treated quickly.
Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they’re allowed to spread.
Treatment
UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics and symptoms normally improve in a few days.