Some people are at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections.

These include:

• Women – Nearly one in three women will have a urinary tract infection needing treatment before the age of 24.
• Men with prostate problems – An enlarged prostate gland can cause the bladder to only partially empty, raising the risk of infection.
• Older people – Some medications and problems with incontinence put older people in a higher risk group.
• People with urinary catheters – People who are critically ill and others who can’t empty their own bladder are at risk of infection.
• People with diabetes – Changes to the immune system make a person with diabetes more vulnerable to infection.
• Babies – In particular, infants born with physical problems (congenital abnormalities) of the urinary system are at greater risk.

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• A burning sensation when passing urine
• Wanting to urinate more often, if only to pass a few drops
• Cloudy, bloody or very smelly urine
• Pain above the pubic bone

Signs of urinary tract infections in children can also include:

• Low feaver
• Irritability
• Day or night wetting in a child who has been dry
• Feeding problems in babies

If the infection moves to the kidneys, there may also be high fever, back pain and vomiting.

If infection of the kidneys is suspected, it is important to see your doctor, because if it is left untreated it can lead to kidney damage or even end stage kidney disease.