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General health information

Bladder infection

A bladder infection, or cystitis, is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder. It may cause burning when passing urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal pain; without treatment, an infection may spread up to the kidneys.

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  • A bladder infection is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder and is the most common lower urinary tract infection.
  • Typical symptoms are burning or pain when passing urine, frequently passing small amounts, a strong urge and pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
  • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine alone does not prove infection. Blood, vaginal symptoms, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a stone or irritation may also cause urinary problems.
  • Fever, shivering, side or back pain, nausea or vomiting may indicate a kidney infection and need assessment the same day.
  • Men, children, pregnant people, frail older adults and people with a catheter or reduced immunity need earlier medical assessment if an infection is suspected.
  • A healthcare professional can use symptoms and urine tests to decide whether antibiotics are needed. Do not take leftovers or ever share antibiotics.
  • Drink a normal, adequate amount, do not delay urinating, and use only pain relief that is safe for you. Drinking lots of extra fluid does not cure an infection faster and may be unsafe with heart or kidney disease.
  • If you are not clearly better within 48 hours of starting treatment or become worse sooner, get in touch again.

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Further reading

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B
Bladder infection in womenBladder infections are common in women because the urethra is shorter. Burning, frequent urges and pressure in the lower abdomen are typical; pregnancy, fever, back pain or blood needs earlier assessment.
B
Bladder infection in childrenA bladder infection in children is usually bacterial. Babies and young children may only have fever, irritability or poor feeding; older children may have burning and frequent urination. Prompt assessment helps prevent a kidney infection.
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Overactive bladderAn overactive bladder causes sudden strong urgency, frequent urination and sometimes urine leakage, without an infection or another clear cause fully explaining this. Bladder training and pelvic floor support are often the first treatment.