When to go to the ER for Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

When to go to the ER for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place.

Proper medical care is needed for this condition. At ER of Texas in North Dallas, TX, we know how to diagnose and treat UTIs with our Board Certified Physicians, In-House Laboratory and On-Site CT Scan and Ultrasound.

Symptoms of UTI

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Little or no urine output
  • Discolored urine – milky or cloudy, pink, red or brown
  • Strong smelling urine
  • Pain or pressure above the pubic bone
  • In young children, pain near the navel
  • Achy all over
  • Shaky, run-down, worn out

Advanced Symptoms:

  • Pain in the back or sides
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting

Treatments for UTI

It is important to go to a freestanding emergency clinic that can diagnose and treat a urinary tract infection before it becomes worse. Untreated UTIs can become serious very quickly. Treatment, however, is relatively straightforward. Most UTIs will clear up after a course of antibiotics. If there is a kidney stone or other blockage, further treatment may be needed to address the specific cause.

Untreated UTIs have the potential of causing kidney damage, and even UTIs that have traveled up to the kidneys and become kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, cause some damage. Since UTIs often accompany a high fever in young children, they are also more susceptible to kidney damage. Occasionally, these children may have additional kidney concerns and even high blood pressure later.

When to go to the ER for UTI Symptoms?

If your symptoms have progressed to the point of lethargy, pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and/or blood in the urine, you need to get to the nearest ER of Texas right away.

UTI Prevention

The good news is that there are several things you can do to prevent a urinary tract infection from occurring and maybe even derailing it from its very early stages of development. The first recommendation is proper hygiene. Teach yourself and your children to wipe from front to back to ensure no bacteria are introduced from the back.

Gaining in popularity is the European solution to hygiene or the bidet. This specially-designed washing toilet might provide the cleanliness needed to suspend recurring UTIs.

Hydration is key to getting your urinary system flushed out and diluting any impurities. Urine is naturally sterile, but other causes can still infect the system. So make sure you are drinking 64 or more ounces of water a day.

Cranberry is effective in fighting UTIs. If you are prone to them, consider drinking cranberry juice occasionally.

Get help fast

ER of Texas emergency room and medical center are available in eight locations for your convenience: Highland Village, Little Elm, Hurst, Colleyville, Texoma, Hillcrest, Uptown, Mansfield. You can find some of the fastest emergency help available in North Dallas. Our exclusive No Wait service virtually guarantees you will be shown to a private room upon arrival and will promptly receive medical attention from a board-certified physicians. When you're suffering from a UTI, ER of Texas offer top quality care 24/7 even on holidays.

We are happy to speak to you on the phone and provide you with more information and resources. Call us today at to learn more.

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