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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed.

Check if it's a urinary tract infection (UTI)

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:

  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)

  • needing to pee more often than usual

  • needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)

  • needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual

  • pee that looks cloudy

  • blood in your pee

  • lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs

  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery

  • a very low temperature below 36C

Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water.

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A pharmacist can help with UTIs

You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI.

A pharmacist can:

  • offer advice on things that can help you get better

  • suggest the best painkiller to take

  • tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms

Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed

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Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:

  • have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery

  • have a very low temperature below 36C

  • are confused or drowsy

  • have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs

  • can see blood in your pee

These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated as it could cause sepsis.

If you cannot speak to or see a GP, or your symptoms are getting worse, call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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