What happens if a urinary tract infection is not treated?

A bladder infection may cause painful urination, frequent urination, urgency, lower abdominal discomfort or urinary incontinence. If bacteria travel upwards, kidney infection can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and flank pain. A more serious infection can affect the whole body, leading to confusion, dizziness, very fast breathing or collapse. Difficulty passing urine can also require prompt assessment because blockage may prevent the urinary system from draining properly.

Contact a clinician when UTI symptoms begin, especially if you are pregnant, have a catheter, kidney problems, diabetes, repeated infections or a weakened immune system. A urine assessment can help guide treatment. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and drink fluids if you are able. A telemedicine consultation may be a practical first contact, but worsening symptoms need in-person care.

Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, shaking chills, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to pass urine or rapidly worsening pain. Go immediately for collapse, breathing difficulty or a new severe illness, because a urinary infection can spread beyond the bladder.

Ask whether a urine test is needed, how quickly treatment should help, which symptoms indicate kidney involvement, what to do if symptoms return, and whether another condition could be causing the urinary changes.