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Urinary tract infection - chronic or recurrent

Alternative Names: UTI - chronic or recurrent Symptoms: Pressure in the lower pelvis Painful urination (dysuria) Frequent need to urinate (frequency) Urgent need to urinate (urgency) Need to urinate at night Abnormal urine color -- cloudy Blood in the urine (hematuria) Foul or strong urine odor Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Nausea and vomiting Fever Fatigue Fever Chills Mental changes or confusion. (In elderly people, mental changes or confusion often are the only signs of a possible urinary tract infection.) Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection means one of the following is true: Symptoms return 2 or more times in 6 months Symptoms of a single episode last longer than 2 weeks Symptoms last longer than 48 hours after treatment has begun Tests that may be done include: A urinalysis -- commonly reveals white blood cells (WBC) or red blood cells (RBC). A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen -- may reveal bacteria in the urine. A urine culture that is positive for more than 2 weeks even with treatment indicates chronic or recurrent UTI. An abdominal ultrasound or KUB (abdominal x-ray) -- may be needed to evaluate the status of the renal system (kidneys, ureters, and bladder).

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