Urinary infections: when drinking water is not enough

Burning and frequent urination can accompany a UTI, but odour alone may reflect inadequate fluids. Identifying the cause matters more than choosing antibiotics from a previous episode.

Pregnancy, diabetes or weakened immunity, and blood in urine, pain beneath the ribs or fever, warrant urgent assessment. Children, men and older adults also need appropriate professional review rather than home care alone.

NHS guidance finds no evidence that cranberry products treat an infection already underway. Confusion, unusual drowsiness or difficulty speaking with suspected infection requires emergency care, not a trial of drinks or supplements.