A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI or bladder infection, is a common medical complaint. Affecting women more often than men, a UTI is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the urethra and bladder. In more severe cases, the kidneys can become involved. The result is an uncomfortable infection resulting in certain recognizable symptoms. The good news is that urgent care providers can offer tests and medication to treat this common condition.
What is a UTI?
Normally, the urinary tract is sterile, or free of undesirable bacteria. In a urinary tract infection, bacteria make their way up the urethra to the bladder. The result is an infection, which can ultimately spread to the kidneys. An infection of the kidneys, or pyelonephritis, is a more serious condition and can be more challenging to treat than a simple UTI. In such cases, treatment in a hospital setting may be necessary. It is important to detect and treat a urinary tract infection early on.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
- Pain when urinating
- Foul-smelling urine
- Having to urinate more frequently
- A burning sensation
- Abdominal pain
- Cloudy urine
- Tenderness in your lower back
- Fever
- Confusion (more common in older adults)
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a UTI?
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and suspect you may have a UTI, visit us at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Houma any day of the week between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Our providers are experienced and well-equipped to treat this condition. Certain symptoms, like fever and pain in your lower back, can indicate a more severe UTI, and an especially urgent visit to a provider is essential.
How Can Urgent Care Help Treat My UTI?
At urgent care, your provider can discuss your symptoms, assess your vital signs, and order a test for a UTI. Typically, your provider will order a rapid urine test for a UTI. Your provider can rule out or diagnose a urinary tract infection and order appropriate medications based on the test results. Antibiotics are the most common treatment and are usually effective at clearing an infection.
In the case of an uncomplicated UTI, your provider will often instruct you to take a course of antibiotics. You can also do certain things at home to aid in the recovery process. Drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cotton underclothes, and avoiding long soaks in a bath can be helpful. Ensuring proper hygiene and wiping from front to back is important. Adding cranberry juice to your diet may also be beneficial, as this can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urinary tract.
Your provider will give you further instructions, including signs that your UTI is resolving or that you may need to seek follow-up care.
If you suspect you need to get to urgent care for UTI treatment, visit us at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Houma.