15 Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

The most common symptom of a urinary tract infection is a burning sensation during urination. UTIs often occur when E. coli bacteria from the bowel travel to the urethra—especially in women, whose shorter urethras make this more likely. The bacteria irritate and inflame the lining of the urethra, causing a painful burning feeling as urine passes through.

A strong, frequent urge to urinate is another hallmark UTI symptom. This often occurs even when little urine is present, because the infection causes inflammation that makes the bladder feel full. The combination of urgency, burning, and small amounts of urine is a key indicator of a lower urinary tract infection.

A distinctive symptom associated with urinary tract infections is a pain in the lower back that can feel like muscular aches. As such, the individual may try over-the-counter pain relievers, but in the case of a UTI, these are unlikely to provide relief. Pain in the flanks may be a sign that infection has spread to the kidney, and prescription medications for the infection should ease this symptom. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and restricting movement may help reduce discomfort in the interim.

A urinary tract infection can change the properties of an infected person's urine. Firstly, with frequent urination, the quantity of urine may be reduced. Also, the urine may be cloudy for the duration of the infection. A bad smell may also be present.

In rare cases, the fluid may contain visible pus or be darker in color due to the presence of blood. Blood in the urine could be a sign of a serious infection or other diseases affecting the urinary tract. Severe infection can cause complications, including kidney damage.

In some cases, people complain of pain in the pelvis, including the genital area, even when not urinating. Such pain is typically a dull, persistent ache that is hard to ignore. Once treatment begins, this pain should ebb. If there's no respite within two days of treatment, further investigation by a medical professional is advisable. Discomfort is a typical response to many issues. But an ongoing pain that doesn't have an identifiable source is an indicator something is wrong.

When the upper urinary tract is infected, individuals tend to develop fever and chills. These signs and symptoms, being somewhat generic, often stand in the way of an accurate diagnosis. If a person is experiencing fever and chills as well as any other symptoms of a UTI, it is important they provide their doctor with a full list. Clear communication aids in proper diagnosis and the development of an effective treatment plan.

When a urinary tract infection begins to impact the function of the kidneys, the individual can experience nausea, often regardless of food consumption. In some cases, nausea may lead to vomiting. Slowly eating bland foods may prevent nausea from getting worse but is unlikely to stop the nauseous feeling.

Though some people with UTIs develop nausea that leads to vomiting, if this symptom persists despite treatment, it may be a cause for concern. An infection that is more severe than initially assumed could require different medication to ensure the person makes a full recovery.

In many cases, urinary tract infections cause discharge that differs from normal urethral secretions in appearance, texture, and odor. Both men and women may have this abnormal discharge. The discharge is unlikely to persist post-recovery, but if it does, a further investigation is necessary. People who experience abnormal discharge should get tested to rule out other conditions, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases.

A UTI can dramatically increase the sensitivity of the urethra due to ongoing irritation and inflammation. During intercourse, areas around the urethra experience frequent rubbing, resulting in pain when the urethra is inflamed.

For females, the pain may be even more intense, as pressure on the internal walls of the vagina may push on the bladder. Additionally, engaging in intercourse with a UTI can introduce more bacteria into the urethra, worsening the infection and intensifying the pain.

During urination, the brain sends signals to various muscles around the urinary tract, squeezing the bladder and releasing urine through the urethra. If the bacteria responsible for a UTI spreads from the urethral opening to the bladder, it may cause swelling and irritation. As a result, pressure on the organ increases, and urine leaks out, even when the natural signals are not present.

Feeling unusually tired and drained is another possible symptom of a urinary tract infection. This fatigue is often accompanied by other symptoms, and it may be a result of your body's immune response to the infection. The constant fight against harmful bacteria can leave you feeling lethargic and less energetic.

In some cases, a urinary tract infection can affect cognitive function, leading to confusion and difficulty concentrating. This mental fog may be more pronounced in older adults and can be a sign of a more severe infection that has reached the kidneys. Eldery people with UTIs may have other symptoms, but they may not have a fever. This lack of fever, combined with the fact that they may not be able to verbalize what is wrong, can make UTIs challenging to diagnose in this age group. If you or a loved one experiences confusion along with other UTI symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

One unusual and unsettling symptom of a urinary tract infection is the sensation of feeling cold or experiencing uncontrollable shivering, even when the surrounding environment is warm. These chills are called rigors, and they may be a sign that a UTI has progressed to a systemic infection. If these chills are accompanied by high fever, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, flank pain, elevated heart rate, elevated respiratory rate, behavioral changes, and not passing urine for more than 12 hours, seek medical help right away.