Burning, urgency, and UTIs: when to come in

A burning feeling every time you use the bathroom can ruin a day fast. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common reasons people need a sick visit, and late summer in Portland, Corpus Christi, and the rest of the Coastal Bend can make them a little more likely. Most UTIs are easy to diagnose and treat when you get checked early.

What a UTI feels like

A UTI happens when bacteria get into the urinary tract, most often the bladder. Common signs include:

• Burning or pain when you urinate
• A strong, frequent urge to go, even when only a little comes out
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pink, red, or brown urine, which can mean there's blood in it
• Pressure or cramping in the lower belly, just above the pubic bone

In older adults, a UTI can sometimes show up as acting "off" or more tired than usual instead of the usual burning. Call us the same day so we can check. Sudden new confusion is different: it can come from many causes, some serious, so call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Why women get them more often

Anyone can get a UTI, but women get them much more often than men. A woman's urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter and closer to the rectum, so bacteria have a shorter trip to the bladder. Sex, some types of birth control, pregnancy, and the changes that come with menopause can also raise the risk.

Men and teens can get UTIs too. They're less common in men, so your provider may want to look a little closer at the cause.

Summer heat and drinking enough water

Our hot, humid Coastal Bend summers often stretch well into September. When you sweat a lot and don't drink enough, you make less urine and go to the bathroom less often. Urinating regularly helps flush bacteria out of the bladder, so not drinking enough may make it easier for an infection to take hold. Dehydration isn't the only cause of UTIs, but staying well hydrated is one simple way to lower your risk.

How UTIs are diagnosed and treated

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and health history, and usually check a quick urine test. Sometimes the sample is sent to a lab to find out exactly which bacteria are causing the infection and which medicines will work best.

When a bacterial infection is found, antibiotics are the usual treatment. Many people start to feel better within a day or two. Take every dose exactly as prescribed, even after you feel better, so the infection doesn't come back. Your provider can also suggest ways to ease the burning while the medicine starts to work. If you get UTIs often, tell your provider so you can talk about why and what may help.

Habits that can help prevent UTIs

• Drink plenty of water through the day, especially when it's hot or you're active outdoors
• Don't hold it. Go when you feel the urge
• Urinate soon after sex to help flush out bacteria
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Skip douches and scented sprays in the genital area, which can irritate the skin
• Change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty clothes soon after the beach, pool, or a workout

Signs it may have reached the kidneys

Sometimes a bladder infection spreads up to the kidneys. That's more serious and needs prompt care, so don't wait it out. Get seen the same day if you have UTI symptoms along with:

• Fever or chills
• Pain in your back or side, just below the ribs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling very sick or weak

If you're pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weak immune system, call us early with any UTI symptoms.

When to call 911

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

• A high fever with shaking chills and severe back or side pain
• Vomiting so often that you can't keep down fluids or medicine
• New confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• A fast heartbeat or trouble breathing
• No ability to urinate at all

We're closed on weekends, so if kidney infection signs come on after hours and aren't an emergency, an urgent care center can help.

Come see us for relief

There's no need to put up with the burning while you wonder what's causing it. UTIs are among the everyday illnesses we see at sick visits for adults and teens 12 and up. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, at 125 Northshore Blvd in Portland. We serve Portland, Corpus Christi, and surrounding areas. Same-day visits are often available, and you can call (361) 208-6701 before you come.

Learn more about our sick visits, check our frequently asked questions, or become a patient so your information is on file before you need us.