What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?

A bladder infection often causes urgency, frequent small amounts of urine, discomfort above the pubic bone and blood in the urine. An infection affecting the kidneys may cause fever, chills, nausea or flank pain. Older adults and children may show less typical changes, such as new bedwetting or a change in behaviour. These symptoms can have other causes, so testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical assessment if symptoms persist, are troublesome or return after treatment. Drink normally and do not delay urination. A clinician may ask about your symptoms and request a urine sample before recommending treatment. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because the right treatment depends on the likely infection and your health history.

Seek prompt medical help for fever with chills, flank pain, vomiting, marked weakness, confusion or difficulty passing urine. These features can indicate infection beyond the bladder or another problem needing urgent assessment. Blood in the urine should also be checked, even when there is no pain.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a bladder or kidney infection, whether a urine test is appropriate, which warning signs should bring you back, and how to reduce the chance of recurrence.