Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are very common, particularly as we age. They affect the urinary tract, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they’re not always needed.

Cystoscopy. Diagram of how a small camera can be inserted into the bladder.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Rosemary explains her own experience and that of looking after her elderly mother-in-law. She also explains her unfounded anxiety prior to having a cystoscopy.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:

  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
  • needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
  • pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell
  • needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
  • needing to pee more often than usual
  • blood in your pee
  • lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
  • a very low temperature below 36C

Older, frail people or people with a urinary catheter

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

  • changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium)
  • wetting themselves (incontinence) that is worse than usual
  • new shivering or shaking (rigors)

 

You can find further information on the NHS website.