Visiting the ER for UTI Treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition. Often characterized by discomfort when urinating, frequent urination, and blood in the urine, UTIs can be uncomfortable and bothersome. In a UTI, bacteria invade one or more parts of your urinary tract (urethra, bladder, and kidneys). It is important to seek medical treatment for your UTI to ensure it resolves without complications.

Did you know you can go to the ER for UTI treatment? You can, especially for more severe symptoms. Prestige ER offers prompt, expert care with shorter wait times than many hospital-based emergency rooms.

When to Go to the ER for a UTI

If you are experiencing burning when you urinate, blood-tinged urine, pelvic pain, fever, or other symptoms of a UTI, we encourage you to seek care at Prestige ER. It is essential to be diagnosed and receive UTI treatment early to prevent complications.

Here are other symptoms of a urinary tract infection:

UTI Symptoms

Normally, the urinary tract is sterile, or free of bacteria. In a UTI, bacteria make their way up the urethra into the bladder. The resulting infection can ultimately spread to the kidneys. Because of their different anatomy, UTIs are more common in women than men. It is important that you recognize the symptoms of a UTI early on to prevent worsening of the infection:

Urgency. You feel an unusually urgent need to urinate.

Burning. You have a burning or stinging sensation when urinating.

Frequency. You find yourself needing to urinate more frequently than usual.

Bloody Urine. Your urine may be red, pink-tinged, or cola-colored. All of these may indicate the presence of blood.

Pain. You may be experiencing pain in the pelvic area.

Pungent Urine. Your urine may have an unusually strong odor.

Symptoms of a Severe UTI

Fever.
Chills.
Pain in your back or side.
Nausea.
Vomiting.

Is a UTI an emergency? If you are experiencing these more severe symptoms, you may have a UTI that has progressed and is now affecting your kidneys. Known as pyelonephritis, this type of complicated UTI is an emergency and needs to be treated in an ER setting.

UTI Symptoms in Older Adults

Older adults with a urinary tract infection may not experience the same symptoms as younger adults. Their symptoms may be less pronounced or mistaken for symptoms of another condition. They may not have a fever, even with a severe infection. Sometimes, sudden confusion may be the only sign of a UTI in an older adult.

What Can the ER Do for a UTI?

At Prestige ER, your provider will discuss your symptoms and any pertinent health history and do a physical exam. You may be asked to provide a urine sample for a urinalysis. This rapid test can aid your provider in diagnosing a UTI. A urine culture may also be ordered. This test can identify the specific bacteria that is causing your infection.

Based on their assessment and lab results, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic and other urinary tract infection treatments. You will receive instructions on how to take your medication and monitor your symptoms to ensure they resolve. You may feel better a few days after beginning your antibiotic. Still, taking the full course of medication as prescribed is essential to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrent infections.

Complications of a UTI

When lower urinary tract infections (those involving the bladder and urethra only) are treated promptly, they usually resolve without complications. When left untreated or when treatment is delayed, they can cause several health problems:

An untreated UTI that spreads to the kidneys may cause kidney damage.

An untreated UTI can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening complication of an infection that can lead to septic shock and organ damage.

You may be at increased risk for recurrent UTIs.

If a UTI occurs during pregnancy and is not treated promptly, you may be at risk of delivering prematurely or having an infant with a low birth weight.

Men who have repeated UTIs may experience narrowing of their urethra.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

You can take steps to help prevent a UTI:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking more fluids makes your urine more diluted and causes you to urinate more often. This can flush unwanted bacteria out of your urethra before an infection can start.

Always wipe from front to back. Because of the proximity between the urethra and anus, wiping from back to front can carry bacteria to the opening of the urethra.

Empty your bladder and drink water after intercourse. These steps will help reduce the risk of a UTI after sexual intercourse.

Avoid irritating feminine products. Certain products, such as powders or sprays, can irritate the urethra.

Drink cranberry juice. Though studies examining the potential of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs have been inconclusive, there may be a benefit. Cranberry juice may prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.

UTI Emergency Room Care

Visit Prestige ER for UTI treatment. We take pride in providing our community with prompt, superior care for a spectrum of medical emergencies. Simply walk into any of our four San Antonio locations. We are here to care for you!