UTI

Back Menu

Bladder Infection?

Also know as urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis. Let's see what to use over the counter for this.
Pharmacist

The goal here is to act fast so the infection doesn't spread up the tract to the kidney.



Lady with stomach pain due to UTI

Let's get started.

Close

Bacteria can get to the bladder through the tube that empties urine from the bladder called the urethra leading to an infection. Although the body has a way of getting rid of these bacteria and keeping the urinary tract kind of sterile, sometimes the bladder can get infected.

FYI Continue

 

 

 

UTI

Back Menu

Is it a UTI?

Are you looking at a urinary tract infection in the first place?
Pharmacist

We will answer that first.

 

Is your urine cloudy or strong?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

Does it smell foul?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

  • Describe anything that might cause that and continue

    •  

    Are you seeing any blood in the urine?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Need more evaluation. Do not attempt selfcare.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    While urinating, do you feel pain?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?

     

    What about a burning sensation?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?
    Possibly UTI. Other things can cause this, let's narrow it down.
    Pharmacist

    Symptoms of UTI include:

    • Cloudy and strong urine
    • Pain with urination
    • Burning sensation with urination

     

    Any cramping in the lower middle abdomen?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?
    This is a symptom of a urinary tract infection.
    Pharmacist

    Symptoms of UTI include:

    • Cloudy and strong urine
    • Pain with urination
    • Burning sensation with urination
    • Lower abdominal cramping

     

    Do you feel pressure in the lower part of your stomach or abdomen?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?
    Possible Urinary Tract Infection.
    Pharmacist

    Symptoms include:

    • Cloudy and strong urine
    • Pain with urination
    • Burning sensation with urination
    • Lower abdominal cramping
    • Pressure-like feeling in the lower part of stomach

     

    Are you experiencing or did you experience a low grade fever?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?
    Low grade fever can be a sign of UTI
    Pharmacist

     

    Do you feel a strong need to urinate often?
    Pharmacist

     

    Yes?
    If you have a UTI, you will feel a strong need to urinate.
    Pharmacist

     


    Those were the main symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
    Pharmacist

    You should have an idea if you are looking at a urinary tract infection or not by now.

    If you think you are looking at one, let's make sure it is not too bad and if it is, make a good decision on what to do.

    Continue

     

     

     

     

    Bladder infection

    Back Menu

    How bad is it?

    Do you also have nausea and/or vomiting with this bladder pain?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • It is worse than you think.
    • Need to rule out other serious problems.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    If you have fever, is it greater than 101°F ? (measured orally)
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Looking at a possible kidney infection.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Are you experiencing chills and shaking?
    Pharmacist

     

     

    What about night sweats with this bladder pain?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Possible kidney infection

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Is your skin flushed?

    Or warm to touch?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Looking at a possible kidney infection.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Do you have abdominal pain?

    Not including pain in the bladder area while urinating.
    Pharmacist

    Yes No

     

     

     

     

     

     

    UTI

    Back Menu

    Is this abdominal pain very severe... like you can't move?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or emergency room.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Possible serious infection

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Is this pain on the side or flank?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Possible kidney infection.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Is this pain on the back?
    Pharmacist

     

    Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
    Pharmacist

    Here is why:

    • Possible kidney infection.

    Nearest Clinic

     

    Those were the signs and symptoms of a possible kidney infection.
    Pharmacist

    If they did not apply to you, you may be looking at a lower urinary tract infection rather than an upper one which would have included the kidneys.

    You will still need to see a doctor. A UTI is an infection, so you may need some antibiotics and none is available over-the-counter.

    The pharmacist can only recommend something you can take to help with the burning pain available over the counter until you can see a doctor.

    If this is a recurring thing for you, call the doctor's office or answering service and see if the doctor can call in something for you to the nearest pharmacy. Usually, the doctor will if you have been diagnosed with it before.

    Would you like to see what a pharmacist recommend or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?

    Nearest Clinic Continue

     

     

     

     

     

    UTI

    Back Menu

    No?
    Alright, we just tried to rule out kidney infections
    (pylenephritis.)
    Pharmacist

    You will still need to see a doctor to treat a urinary tract infection. It is an infection, so you may need antibiotics and none is available over-the-counter.

    The pharmacist can only recommend something you can take to help with the burning pain until you see a healthcare provider.

    If this is a recurring thing for you, call the doctor's office or answering service and see if the doctor can call in something for you to the nearest pharmacy. Usually, the doctor will if you have been diagnosed with it before.

    Would you like to see what is available over the counter or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?

    Nearest Clinic Continue