Urinary Problems And Injuries, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your urine cloudy, bad-smelling, or bloody?

See significance of urine that is cloudy, bad-smelling, or bloody if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe pain when you urinate?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have blood in your urine? (Your urine may look pink, red, or brown.)

Yes

Do you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have flank pain?

Yes

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had cloudy or bad-smelling urine for 24 hours or longer without other symptoms?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had dark amber or brown urine for 1 week or longer without other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 17, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer