incontinence with fever

Overview

Incontinence means leaking urine when you don’t mean to. Fever is a high body temperature, usually a sign of infection. When you have both together, it often means you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a kidney infection. These infections can make it hard to control your bladder, especially if you are older or very young.

Yes, this combination is fairly common. Every year, millions of people get a UTI, and many of them also experience some loss of bladder control, especially during the infection.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in women, people who use catheters, pregnant women, and older adults. Young children and people with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever (temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Leaking urine or sudden strong urge to urinate
• Burning or pain when you pass urine
• Urine that looks cloudy, dark, or smells bad
• Feeling tired or generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• Fever that may be the only symptom
• Crankiness or irritability
• New bedwetting or accidents during the day
• Vomiting or poor feeding
• Crying when urinating

Symptoms in older adults

• Sudden new incontinence or worsening of existing incontinence
• Confusion or acting more confused than usual
• Fever, which may be lower than in younger people
• Falls or unsteadiness
• Loss of appetite or not drinking enough

Causes

Main causes

• Bacterial infection in the bladder (cystitis) that makes the bladder lining irritated
• Infection moving up to one or both kidneys (pyelonephritis)
• Inflammation from the infection affecting the nerves that control the bladder

Risk factors

• Being female (shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to enter)
• Older age (especially if you live in a care home or use a catheter)
• Recent use of a urinary catheter
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Sexual activity (can introduce bacteria)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your doctor or local health service right away if you have fever with new incontinence, especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a chronic illness.
• If you cannot reach your doctor, go to an urgent care center or emergency room.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your doctor for a check-up if you have had several UTIs and you are worried about incontinence.
• If you have mild symptoms that go away but come back often, make a routine appointment.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a urine sample. They may also do a physical exam and check for tenderness in your lower back.

Tests that may be done

• Urine dipstick test (quick check for infection)
• Urine culture (grows bacteria to find the exact cause)
• Blood tests if a kidney infection is suspected
• Ultrasound or CT scan if the infection is severe or keeps coming back

What to expect at your appointment

You will be asked to provide a clean-catch urine sample. The doctor may press on your abdomen and back to see if it hurts. Results from a dipstick are ready in minutes. A culture takes 1-2 days. You may start antibiotics before the full results come back.

Treatment

The main treatment is antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. You also need to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your bladder. Most people feel better within a few days.

Self-care at home

• Drink extra water (aim for 6-8 glasses a day) unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Use a heating pad on your lower belly or back to ease discomfort
• Wear protective pads or underwear to manage leaking until the infection clears
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods — they can irritate the bladder

Medical treatments

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe for you. It is usually taken by mouth for 3 to 7 days for a bladder infection. For a kidney infection, you may need a longer course or intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital. Always finish the entire course, even if you feel better.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if there is a structural problem in the urinary tract that causes repeated infections, but this is not common.

Living with this condition

While you are recovering, take it easy. Drink water regularly and use clean, dry incontinence products if needed. Most symptoms improve quickly once antibiotics start working.

Lifestyle tips

• Practice good bathroom habits: go when you feel the urge, wipe front to back
• Drink cranberry juice only if you like it — it may help prevent UTIs but does not treat an active infection
• Avoid holding your urine for long periods
• Keep your genital area clean and dry

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you are constipated, that can make bladder problems worse, so drink enough water and eat high-fiber foods. Gentle exercise like walking is fine once you have energy.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It can be upsetting to lose control of your bladder, especially if you are usually continent. Remember that this is temporary. The infection is causing the problem, and treatment will fix it. If you feel anxious or embarrassed, talk to your doctor or a counselor.

Prevention

Not all cases can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and emptying your bladder fully when you urinate can help.

Vaccines

There is no standard vaccine for UTIs. Some research is looking into vaccines, but they are not widely available yet.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is needed. If you get recurrent UTIs, your doctor may suggest monitoring or a referral to a specialist.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to the kidneys, causing a more severe illness
• Kidney infection can lead to kidney damage or scarring
• In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream (sepsis), which is life-threatening
• Chronic incontinence may develop if the infection damages the bladder nerves

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. Incontinence usually goes away once the infection is cleared. Even if the infection reaches the kidneys, antibiotics are very effective. The key is to see a doctor early.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.