Symptoms that may need assessment
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-stained urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Fever, chills or pain in the back or side
← All conditions
Kidney & urinary care
Urinary tract infections
Assessment of recurrent, complicated or persistent urinary tract infections in adults and children.
Understanding the condition
A urinary tract infection may affect the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys. Recurrent infections can sometimes be associated with stones, incomplete bladder emptying, prostate enlargement or another structural concern, so investigation may be needed rather than repeated treatment alone.
How it may be assessed
- Urine testing and culture
- Review of infection pattern and previous treatment
- Assessment of bladder emptying
- Imaging when stones or obstruction are suspected
- Cystoscopy in selected cases
Care may include
- Treatment directed by clinical findings and culture
- Investigation of recurrent infection triggers
- Management of obstruction or stones when present
- Bladder-health and prevention advice
- Follow-up for complicated infections
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait when symptoms are severe.
Fever, chills, confusion, vomiting, flank pain, pregnancy with urinary symptoms, or rapidly worsening illness require prompt medical assessment.