Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection, also known as UTI or cystitis, is the second most common type of infection. The urinary system includes kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. UTI causes an inflammation of kidneys, bladder or urethra. The condition ranges in severity from mild cystitis to severe kidney infections such as pyelonephritis. UTI is more common in adults, than children. About 1-2% children get this infection. Among adults, women are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections than men. However, the frequency of infection is similar in both men and women in older age.

Types of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection generally develops first in the lower urinary tract, in bladder and urethra. If left untreated, the infection progresses to the upper urinary tract in ureters and kidneys. There are three types of urinary tract infections, such as kidney infection (pyelonephritis), bladder infection (cystitis) and infection of urethra (urethritis).

Causes of UTI

Urinary tract infections are mainly caused by bacteria. UTI occurs when the defense system of the urinary tract fails and bacteria enter the urinary tract through urethra and start to multiply in the bladder. Cystitis is caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection of urethra/urethritis can occur due to invasion of gastrointestinal bacteria from anus to urethra. Some other possible reasons for urethritis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus and Chlamydia. If the infection is left untreated, then bacteria move to the bladder and multiply, causing bladder infection/cystitis. Women are more susceptible to cystitis due to their anatomy (shorter urethra). The most common causes of cystitis are sexual intercourse and poor hygiene. If this infection is neglected, then bacteria may travel up to ureters and infect the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.

Risk Factors for UTI

People with obstruction in urinary tract such as kidney stones are more susceptible to urinary tract infection. People with certain medical conditions such as spinal cord injury or bladder decompensation after menopause, which can cause incomplete bladder emptying, are at a greater risk for urinary tract infection. People with suppressed immune system due to diabetes or AIDS are also more prone to UTI. Sexually active women tend to have urinary tract infections more frequently, as sexual intercourse is one of the causes of urinary tract infection. Women using certain birth control options such as diaphragm are also at an increased risk for urinary tract infection. Men with an enlarged prostate or prostatitis are more likely to develop urinary tract infection. UTI is common among very young infants, young children and hospitalized patients.

Symptoms of UTI

The symptoms of urinary tract infection may vary in severity from person to person. In general, the most common symptoms of UTI in adults are pain and burning sensation during micturition, a persistent urge for urination, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, cloudy urine due to bacteriuria, back pain, chills, high fever, nausea and general discomfort (malaise). Symptoms of urinary tract infection in infants are fever, irritability, loss of appetite, failure to gain weight, diarrhea and vomiting. Older children may show the symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination (dysuria), lower abdominal pain, side or back pain, lower abdominal pain and hematuria (presence of blood in urine). Each type of urinary tract infection may have some more specific signs and symptoms.

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) causes the symptoms such as high fever, chills and shaking, side and upper back pain, vomiting and nausea.
• Bladder infection/cystitis gives rise to the symptoms such as pelvic pressure, low-grade fever, lower abdomen discomfort and frequent, painful urination.
• Urethritis causes symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, back pain, abdominal pain, etc.

Urinary tract infection is accompanied by symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and malaise. Generally, pregnant women don’t have typical symptoms of UTI. Urine analysis is a routine part of prenatal check-up. Unrecognized UTI can lead to various pregnancy complications such as miscarriage.

If urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can cause acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which could lead to permanent damage of kidneys. Young children and older adults are at a higher risk of kidney damage. Pregnant women with urinary tract infection are at increased risk of delivering low birth-weight or premature infants.

As soon as you notice the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to avoid further complications. Since prevention is always better than cure, it is very important to avoid urinary tract infection by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.