Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary passage, far more common in women because of their shorter urethra. It causes burning while urinating and a constant urge to go, even when little comes. Bladder infections are easily treated with a short antibiotic course — but ignored, the infection can climb to the kidneys and become serious.
Symptoms
- Burning or pain while passing urine
- Frequent urge to urinate, passing only small amounts
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-tinged urine
- Lower abdominal heaviness or discomfort
- In older adults, new confusion may be the only sign
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for burning urination lasting more than a day — a simple urine test confirms it. Recurrent UTIs (3 or more a year) deserve evaluation for an underlying cause.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Fever with chills and one-sided back pain along with urinary burning — a kidney infection; seek hospital care the same day
Causes
Bacteria (usually E. coli from the gut) entering the urinary passage; low water intake, holding urine long, sexual activity, diabetes, pregnancy, stones and catheters increase the risk.