What are the treatment options for urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder or travel upwards towards the kidneys. Burning urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal discomfort often point to bladder irritation, while fever, chills, pain in the side or back, nausea and vomiting need more urgent assessment. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so a clinician may request a urine sample.

Antibiotic choice depends on symptoms, pregnancy, sex, kidney health, allergies and previous infections. Not every urinary symptom needs an antibiotic, and leftover medicine may delay the correct treatment.

Arrange a consultation, including a remote consultation when appropriate, and follow the prescription exactly. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. A warm compress and suitable pain relief may ease discomfort; check with a pharmacist if you have kidney disease, pregnancy or other medicines.

Finish the prescribed course and seek review if symptoms do not begin to improve, return soon after treatment, or occur repeatedly. Do not share antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for fever with side or back pain, shaking chills, vomiting, confusion, fainting, severe pain, or inability to pass urine. Arrange prompt assessment if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have a urinary catheter and develop infection symptoms.

Do I need a urine test before treatment? Which antibiotic is suitable for me? How soon should symptoms improve? What warning signs mean the infection may have reached my kidneys?