Can I Go to Urgent Care for a Bladder Infection?
Bladder infections, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI), can be uncomfortable and bothersome. Fortunately, they can often be treated easily when caught early. Urgent care is an excellent choice for rapid diagnosis and treatment of a UTI.
When Should I Go to Urgent Care for a UTI?
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a UTI, visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care. Our experienced providers will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the treatment you need. Certain symptoms, like lower back pain and fever, can indicate a more severe UTI, and you should see a provider urgently. Early treatment is the key to preventing complications, including kidney damage.
If you are pregnant, you are at higher risk of complications from a UTI, and you should seek help at urgent care promptly if you experience symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
The symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Painful urination.
- Burning sensations with urination.
- Foul-smelling urine.
- Frequent urination.
- Urgently needing to urinate.
- Cloudy urine.
- Bloody or pink urine.
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Confusion (a common symptom in older adults).
How Is a UTI Treated?
At Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care, a provider will discuss your symptoms, perform an examination, and order diagnostic tests as indicated. This may include a urinalysis, which will aid your provider in reaching a diagnosis. All of our locations offer an on-site lab to expedite your care.
If you have a bladder infection, your provider may order an antibiotic. You may start to feel better after a few days of treatment, but it is essential to take the full course of antibiotics to resolve your infection and prevent antibiotic resistance.
You can also do certain things at home to help as you recover from a UTI. Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Drinking cranberry juice may be beneficial as you recover and might help to prevent recurrent UTIs. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these may cause bladder irritation.
What Is the Difference Between a UTI and a Bladder Infection?
Some may use the terms UTI and bladder infection interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two terms. A UTI refers to an infection of any part of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder), the bladder, and the kidneys. A bladder infection, known medically as cystitis, refers to an infection of the bladder. This is the most common type of UTI.
A UTI is typically caused by bacteria migrating up the normally sterile urethra to the bladder. If not treated promptly, it can also spread to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. This is a serious condition that is more challenging to treat and can sometimes require hospitalization. If you suspect you may have a UTI, you should seek help at an urgent care to prevent complications.
Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic, so you don’t need to make an appointment. Our experienced staff is ready seven days a week to provide prompt care for you and your family. To learn more about our services, call our helpful staff at 985.803.8383 for our Thibodaux location, 985.709.0136 for our Houma location, or 985.493.4944 for our Gray location.
