UTI symptoms: what to look for and when to act
Urinary tract infections are common and usually uncomplicated, but some symptoms need medical attention rather than a pharmacy pathway. Knowing the difference saves time.
Typical symptoms
Burning or stinging when you pass urine, needing to go more often, urgency, lower abdominal discomfort and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
These usually point to a lower urinary tract infection, which often responds well to prompt treatment.
Symptoms that need urgent assessment
Fever, shivering, pain in your back or side, vomiting, confusion, or blood in your urine suggest the infection may have spread.
Symptoms in pregnancy, in men, in children, or with a catheter also need medical rather than pharmacy assessment.
What treatment involves
Our clinicians assess your symptoms, test a urine sample where useful and supply treatment when it is clinically appropriate.
Not everyone needs antibiotics. Some mild cases settle with fluids, pain relief and time, and unnecessary antibiotics cause their own problems.
Reducing the chance of recurrence
Drink enough through the day, do not hold on unnecessarily, and see someone if you get several infections a year, because a recurring pattern deserves investigation.
In short
If you have straightforward urinary symptoms, come in the same day. If you have fever or back pain, seek medical help promptly.
This article is general information and does not replace individual clinical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, speak to our team, your GP or call 111.
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