You may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you experience symptoms such as:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate, often passing only small amounts of urine
- A burning or painful sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination, including needing to urinate more often at night
- Urine that appears cloudy, dark, has a strong odor, or contains blood
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Pain in the lower back or sides, which may indicate a kidney infection
- Feeling tired, shaky, or generally unwell
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting (especially with upper urinary tract infections)
- In children, symptoms may include irritability, fever, feeding problems, or wetting themselves
- In older adults, symptoms can also include confusion, agitation, or delirium
If you have these symptoms, especially burning with urination and frequent urges to urinate, it is likely you have a UTI
. To confirm a UTI, a healthcare provider will typically analyze a urine sample to check for bacteria, white blood cells, or blood. This can involve a urine dipstick test, urinalysis under a microscope, or a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
. If you suspect a UTI, it is advisable to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, usually with antibiotics, to prevent complications
