sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Asymptomatic bacteriuria: 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
    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

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    If no treatment is recommended, routine repeat cultures are usually unnecessary.

    Bacteria may remain present or return without causing symptoms, and repeated testing can lead to avoidable antibiotic use.

    During pregnancy, attend prenatal follow-up and complete any prescribed treatment exactly as directed.

    Whether a repeat culture is needed after treatment depends on the individual situation and local practice; evidence about repeat screening is limited.

The article also says

Contact a healthcare professional if new urinary symptoms, fever, chills, back or side pain, or unexplained worsening illness develops.

A new evaluation is needed because symptoms change the clinical situation.

If treatment was given before a urologic procedure, follow the procedural team’s instructions.

Report fever, worsening pain, difficulty urinating, or feeling seriously unwell after the procedure.

People with recurrent positive cultures may wish to ask whether testing is being done for a specific reason.

In the absence of symptoms, avoiding repeated urine cultures can be an important part of safe antibiotic use.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Asymptomatic bacteriuria. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.