Urinary Track Infection

Urinary Tract Infections affect your urinary tract, including your bladder, urethra or kidneys. 

1. Dysuria is when a person experices a burning pain when passing urine. Dysuria is 1 of the 3 key diagnostic signs and symptoms of UTI in women aged under 65.

2.New nocturia,passing ursing more often than usual at night.

3.Cloudy-looking urine, urine is cloudy to the naked eye or an abnormal colour.

4.Temperature, this is a common symptom of a UTI, however it may not be present.

5.Visible haematuria, which is when blood is present in urine.

6. The feeling of needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual.

7. Suprapubic pain or tenderness may be present with a UTI.

8.New incontenence, more speificly with those over 65 years when combined with other symptoms.

9. New or worsening delirium/debility,  some people over 65 years may expeirence this which can indicate a UTI is present when combined with other symptoms. 

Strong risk factors

1. Sexual activity, as sexual intercose is the strongest risk factor for developing UTI and possible reocurring UTIs.

2. Post menopause, this is due to the absence of oestrogen.

3. Family history of UTIs espeically gaving a mother of UTIs which increases the risk of recurrent UTIs.

4. Presence of a foreign body, such as a catheter significantly increases risk.

In older, frail people who have problems with memory, learning or concentration, such as dementia, and people with a urinary catheter, symptoms of a UTI may also include:

1. changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium).

2. more incontinent than usual.

3. new shivering or shaking (rigors).

What helps ease sypmtoms

1. take paracetamol upto 4 times a day to reduce pain

2. rest and drink fluids to pass urine regularly during the day 

3. avoid having sex

4. visit GP, they may give a short course of antibiotics however they may recommend waiting 48hours before taking them incase symptoms go away on their own.