Cystitis - acute: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, extreme drowsiness, new severe confusion, mottled or unusually pale skin, or rapidly worsening illness.

   These can be signs of sepsis or another serious problem.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   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 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange prompt medical advice if you have typical cystitis symptoms and are pregnant, male, a child, or have kidney disease, diabetes, a urinary catheter, a weakened immune system, or known urinary tract problems.

   Seek same-day medical assessment if you develop:

   • Fever, shaking chills, or feeling markedly unwell
   • Pain in your side or back below the ribs
   • Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
   • Worsening symptoms despite treatment
   • Inability to urinate
   • Significant blood or blood clots in the urine

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate if symptoms have not started improving within about 48 hours of antibiotics, return soon after treatment, or keep recurring.

   Persistent blood in the urine also needs follow-up after the suspected infection has cleared.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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