Overview
- Typical UTI signs include stinging or burning when peeing, urgency or frequency, cloudy or blood-stained urine, fever, fatigue, and lower abdominal or back pain.
- In children a UTI may present as irritability, vomiting or bedwetting, while older or frail people may show sudden confusion or agitation.
- Emergency care is urged if severe symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty speaking or extreme confusion occur, as these can indicate kidney infection or sepsis.
- UTIs commonly arise when gut bacteria enter the urinary tract and are more frequent in women, with risks heightened by pregnancy, recent sex, dehydration, kidney stones or weakened immunity.
- Dark or strong-smelling urine alone often signals dehydration, and although antibiotics can treat many UTIs, the NHS notes they are not always required.