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Warning-sign checks

Bladder infections in teens and adults: 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

    Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, blue or mottled skin, or other signs of severe illness.

    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

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt, same-day medical advice for:

    • Fever or chills with urinary symptoms
    • New pain in the back or side below the ribs
    • Nausea or vomiting that makes drinking difficult
    • Symptoms during pregnancy
    • Inability to urinate or increasing difficulty urinating
    • Worsening symptoms or no improvement within the timeframe given by the clinician
    • Urinary symptoms in someone with a catheter, major kidney disease, or a weakened immune system

    These symptoms can occur with sepsis and should not wait for routine follow-up.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is especially useful if infections keep returning, there is ongoing difficulty emptying the bladder, or urinary symptoms continue despite negative cultures.

    Keep a record of symptom dates, test results, antibiotics, and possible triggers.

    This can help a clinician look for patterns.

The article also says

Symptoms often begin to improve after treatment starts, but the timing varies.

Follow the prescriber’s instructions about when to make contact if symptoms remain unchanged or become worse.

Another urine test or a change in treatment may be needed.

For recurrent infections, prevention depends on the person’s situation.

Options may include avoiding spermicides, addressing incomplete bladder emptying, or using vaginal estrogen after menopause when appropriate.

Some people may be offered clinician-directed preventive antibiotics.

These choices require a discussion of benefits, side effects, and antibiotic resistance.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bladder infections in teens and adults. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.