When to worry about blood in urine with a urinary tract infection

An infection can inflame the bladder or urethra, causing stinging, frequent urination, urgency, and visible blood. Fever, chills, nausea, or pain in the back or side may suggest that infection has reached the kidneys. Blood can also have another cause, so do not assume that urinary bleeding is only from infection, particularly if it continues after treatment or returns later.

Arrange medical advice for a urine test and treatment plan. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and do not use leftover medicine. Drink normally unless you have been told to restrict fluids. Note the urine colour, pain, temperature, and any change after treatment. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with kidney problems should seek advice promptly when blood appears.

Go to urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, have severe flank pain, shaking chills, a high fever, heavy bleeding, clots, or cannot pass urine. These symptoms can signal kidney infection, obstruction, or a more serious illness requiring prompt treatment.

Ask which urine tests are needed, when symptoms should begin improving, whether the infection could involve the kidneys, and what follow-up is required if blood remains after the infection settles.