About the topic
A urinary infection can affect the bladder or kidneys. Burning, urgency and frequency can have other causes too.
Practical care & comfort
- Drink appropriate fluids unless your clinician has limited them.
- Seek advice about suitable treatment and complete any prescribed antibiotic course.
- Do not use leftover antibiotics or rely on a home remedy to clear an infection.
Symptoms & signs
- Burning or pain when passing urine.
- Needing to urinate more urgently or often than usual.
- Lower abdominal pain, cloudy urine or fever; back pain with fever needs urgent care.
When to speak with a clinician: Get prompt advice if pregnant, male, older, diabetic, catheterised or immunocompromised, or if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within 48 hours.
Food & nutrition
Diet cannot clear an established UTI. Follow treatment advice; inability to pass urine needs immediate assessment rather than drinking extra water.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Drink enough water for regular urination, within any medical fluid limit.
- Continue ordinary balanced meals as tolerated.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Avoid coffee, alcohol or fruit juice if they irritate the bladder.
- Do not use cranberry drinks or cystitis products as treatment for an active infection.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: