What is a UTI?

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system — kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra — usually caused by bacteria. UTIs range from mild bladder infections to serious kidney infections (pyelonephritis).

Common symptoms

  • Burning or pain while urinating
  • Frequent urge to pass urine or sudden urgency
  • Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Fever, chills, nausea, or flank (back) pain — may indicate kidney infection

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have burning on urination, blood in the urine, fever, severe back/flank pain, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, or if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a catheter. These can be signs of a serious infection that needs immediate care.

How we diagnose

  • Urine analysis (dipstick & microscopy)
  • Urine culture to identify bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity
  • Blood tests if systemic infection is suspected
  • Ultrasound or CT scan if recurrent infections or obstruction are suspected

Treatment

Treatment depends on severity and location. Uncomplicated bladder UTIs are usually treated with a short course of oral antibiotics guided by culture results when required. Kidney infections or severe cases often require longer antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization for IV antibiotics and supportive care.

Home care & prevention

  • Drink plenty of fluids to flush the urinary tract
  • Urinate regularly and avoid holding urine for long periods
  • Practice good perineal hygiene (front-to-back cleaning)
  • Avoid excessive caffeine or bladder irritants during infection
  • Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed

Recurring UTIs

If infections recur, we offer urine cultures, detailed evaluation, imaging if needed, and preventive strategies (diet, behavioral changes or prophylactic antibiotics in selected cases).