Urinary tract infection
Also called: UTI, Cystitis, Bladder infection
Bacterial infection of the bladder (cystitis) or, less often, the kidneys. It is very common in women because the urethra is short.
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Causes
- Bacteria from the bowel, mostly E. coli, ascending the urethra
Risk factors
- Female sex
- Sexual activity
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Catheters
- Diabetes
- Incomplete bladder emptying, enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
Symptoms
- Burning when urinating
- Frequent, urgent urination
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Blood in urine
- Confusion in older people
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Clinical diagnosis in young women
- Urine dipstick and culture
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Short antibiotic course (nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, trimethoprim, pivmecillinam per local guidance)
- Pain relief
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Urinate after sex
- Vaginal oestrogen for recurrent UTIs after menopause
Possible complications
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Sepsis
Prevention
- Good hydration
- Methenamine or prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent infections
Outlook
Usually resolves within days of treatment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for UTI symptoms in men, children or pregnancy; urgently for fever, back pain or vomiting.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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