Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections affecting any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the bladder and cause discomfort. Urgent care centers offer accessible options for diagnosing and initially treating suspected UTIs, providing prompt evaluation and care for non-life-threatening conditions.
How Urgent Care Diagnoses UTIs
The diagnostic process for a UTI at an urgent care center typically begins with a review of the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Common indicators of a UTI include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. After this initial assessment, a urine sample is collected for laboratory analysis.
Urinalysis is a primary diagnostic tool, often performed using a urine dipstick test. This rapid test involves dipping a strip into the urine sample, which changes color to indicate the presence of certain substances. It screens for markers such as white blood cells (leukocyte esterase) and nitrites, byproducts of bacterial activity, and can also detect blood. Results are typically available within minutes, providing quick, preliminary findings.
Following the dipstick test, a microscopic examination of the urine sample may be performed. This confirms the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or red blood cells, signs of infection or inflammation. While these tests offer immediate insights, a urine culture may also be ordered. A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines its antibiotic sensitivity, guiding more targeted treatment. Although culture results typically take 24 to 48 hours, urgent care providers can often initiate treatment based on preliminary urinalysis findings.
Treatment and When to Seek Alternative Care
Upon UTI diagnosis, urgent care centers typically prescribe antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Common antibiotics include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or ciprofloxacin, chosen based on suspected bacteria and patient history. It is important to complete the entire course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and prevent recurrence or antibiotic resistance. Alongside antibiotics, urgent care providers may recommend pain relievers and increased fluid intake to alleviate discomfort and flush bacteria.
While urgent care is suitable for many uncomplicated UTIs, certain situations warrant seeking alternative medical attention. Severe symptoms such as a high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C), significant back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting can indicate a more serious kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which requires immediate and potentially more intensive care, possibly in an emergency room. Symptoms like these suggest the infection has spread beyond the bladder.
Individuals experiencing recurrent UTIs (two or more within six months or three or more within a year) should consult their primary care physician or a urologist. These recurring infections may signal an underlying issue requiring specialized management beyond urgent care. Specific populations, including pregnant individuals, children, men, or those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or compromised immune systems, often require specialized care for UTIs. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after starting urgent care treatment, follow-up with a doctor is necessary, as this could indicate antibiotic resistance or a more complex infection.