Could it be an infection?

The three key signs and symptoms considered to indicate urinary tract infection are dysuria (pain when passing urine), new nocturia (needing to pass urine in the night) and cloudy urine (visible cloudy colour when passing urine). TARGET/NHS advice is that the presence of two or more of these with the absence of vaginal discharge means a UTI is more likely.

Systemic involvement, demonstrated by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, loin pain and tenderness, is indicative of more serious infection involving the upper urinary tract, such as pyelonephritis, requiring urgent referral because of the risk of septicaemia. 

Back pain may also indicate an upper UTI. Determining whether the patient is feverish can, to some extent, be done by observation and asking him or her. Taking the patient’s temperature will give a more accurate assessment. 

Pharmacists can utilise the TARGET leaflet, Treating Your Infection – Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is designed to be used jointly by health professional and patient to assess symptoms and discuss recommended care.