Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common types of infections. A UTI is an infection caused by bacteria in your urinary system, which includes your bladder, kidneys, and urethra. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a UTI as earlier detection can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent further complications.
Common signs and symptoms of a UTI include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen, lower back, or sides
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Urine that is dark in color
- Feeling tired or weak
- Fever and chills
Symptoms depends Upon which part of the urinary tract is affected:
Kidneys
- Back or side pain
- High fever
- Shaking and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Bladder
- Pelvic pressure
- Lower belly discomfort
- Frequent, painful urination
- Blood in urine
Urethra
- Burning with urination
- Discharge
Besides painful urination, other symptoms of UTI include:
- Fever
- Foul or stronger-smelling urine
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Increased urinary frequency or urge to urinate
- Flank pain
Factors that can increase your chance of developing a UTI include:
- Being a woman
- Diabetes
- Advanced age
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Pregnancy
- Having a urinary catheter in place
If left untreated, a UTI can lead to severe health problems such as kidney damage or sepsis. It’s important to get medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment to help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
To prevent UTIs, it’s important to practice good hygiene. Make sure you regularly wash your hands with soap and water and practice proper toilet habits such as wiping front to back after using the bathroom. Additionally, urinate when you feel the urge to go rather than holding it in and drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
If you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes, it’s especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a UTI. Diabetics are more prone to developing UTIs and if left untreated, the infection can spread quickly throughout the body causing serious health complications.
UTIs are also very common in pregnant women due to changes in their hormones and urinary tract.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?A UTI is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli (E. coli), and they can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
How are UTIs diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose UTIs based on symptoms, a physical examination, and a urine sample. In some cases, additional tests, such as a urine culture and sensitivity or imaging studies (ultrasound KUB), may be ordered to determine the extent of the infection.
Also Read Uti Treatment – A Comprehensive Guide