Description
Symptoms of UTIs
Infections of the lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra often cause:
- A need to pee more often than usual
- Pain or discomfort when peeing
- Sudden urge to pee
- Feeling that you are unable to empty your bladder fully
- Pain low down in your tummy
- Urine that is cloudy or foul smelling
- Feeling generally unwell, achy or tired
Infections of the upper urinary tract (kidneys or ureter) can also be associated with:
- High temperature
- Pain in your sides or back
- Shivering or chills
- Feeling and being sick
- Confusion
- Agitation or restlessness
Where lower UTIs are common and generally aren’t usually a cause for major concern, upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated. Note that confusion and agitation may be the first signs in older people.
Why test
The Mission UTI test strips test for both nitrites and leucocytes in the urine.
Nitrites: having nitrites in your urine usually signify a bacterial infection. Many bacteria convert nitrates to nitrites. The more nitrites that you find the more likely you have a UTI.
Leukocytes: these are white blood cells that are produced to fight infection. If you have a high concentration of leucocytes than you are likely to have an infection.
Be aware that some bacteria do not convert nitrates to nitrates so it is possible to have a high leukocyte count, a low nitrite and still have a UTI.
What to do?
If you are not sure that you have a UTI then test4it. If the test shows a high level of nitrites and leukocytes and you are experiencing symptoms then you probably have a UTI. UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics. You should always visit your GP if you have symptoms of upper urinary tract infection; the symptoms are severe or getting worse; or the symptoms have not improved after a few days treatment.
