Cystitis - acute

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Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection; UTI - acute; Acute bladder infection; Acute bacterial cystitis

The symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor
• Low fever (not everyone will have a fever)
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen (usually middle) or back
• Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied

Often in an elderly person, mental changes or confusion are the only signs of a possible urinary tract infection.

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A urine sample is usually collected to perform the following tests:

• Urinalysis is done to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and to test for certain chemicals, such as nitrites in the urine. Most of the time, your doctor or nurse can diagnose an infection using a urinalysis.
• Urine culture - clean catch may be done to identify the bacteria in the urine to make sure the correct antibiotic is being used for treatment.

Review Date: 09/17/2010
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).