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Warning-sign checks

Urinary tract infection - adults: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help if you have signs of severe infection or sepsis, such as difficulty breathing, fainting, new severe confusion, being difficult to wake, blue or mottled skin, or feeling extremely unwell.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical advice if you think you have a UTI and you are pregnant, have a penis, use a catheter, have kidney disease, have a weakened immune system, or have a known urinary tract abnormality.

    You should also seek prompt assessment for:

    • Fever, chills, or pain in your side or back
    • Vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
    • Visible blood in the urine
    • Symptoms that worsen quickly
    • Symptoms that are not starting to improve within about 48 hours of treatment
    • Repeated infections
    • Urinary symptoms with genital discharge, sores, or possible STI exposure

    Inability to pass urine with severe lower abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urinary tract infection - adults. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.