Most people who have a bladder infection will have two or more of
the following symptoms. Each symptom can range from mild to severe.
- Burning pain with urination (dysuria). This is
the most common symptom.
- A frequent urge to urinate
(frequency)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may indicate a
bladder infection or kidney stone. In rare cases, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor in the urinary tract will cause blood
in the urine. The blood may be present every time you urinate or just from time
to time. Note: A red or orange color may also be caused
by a medicine, such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
Discomfort during urination (dysuria) and a frequent urge to urinate
can be symptoms of a health problem that is not directly related to the urinary
tract. When only one of these symptoms occurs, it is important to determine
whether there is another reason for the symptom.
If you are not pregnant, a day or so of home treatment at the first
signs of a bladder infection may prevent the symptoms from getting worse and
may clear up the infection. It is particularly important to see a health
professional if you are pregnant and have symptoms of a urinary tract
infection, even if your symptoms are mild.
If you have had repeated bladder infections, you and your health
professional may want to do additional testing to determine the cause of your
bladder infections. You also may want to work with your health professional to
develop a self-treatment plan so that you can treat symptoms of an infection as
soon as they start. It is important that you follow this treatment plan
carefully and notify your health professional if the plan does not work.
Call your health professional if you have symptoms of a bladder
infection.
