Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

The urinary tract comprises the kidney, the urinary bladder, the ureter and the urethra. A bacterial infection in any of these organs is known as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Depending on the organ affected, the infection is known with different names like cystitis or bladder infection (infection in the urinary bladder), pyelonephritis (infection in the kidneys), urethritis (infection in the ureter), etc. The infection usually occurs in the lower urinary tract, i.e., the urethra and the ureter and travels upwards. It is essential to identify urinary tract infection symptoms at an early stage to prevent it from spreading to the kidneys. UTI in kidneys can lead to severe effects and hence, one should consult the doctor as soon as UTI symptoms are observed. Let us take a look at the symptoms in case of adults and children.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in Adults

The causes of UTI in adults include use of antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, etc. Sexual intercourse is also believed to be one of the causes of this condition in adults. It is found that women are susceptible to this disease than men because of the shorter distance between urethra and anus in case of women. Difficulty urinating, pain and burning sensation are most significant urinary tract infection symptoms in men and women. The following are female and male urinary tract infection symptoms.

• Pain during urination
• Difficulty in urination
• Burning sensation during urination
• Blood in urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Low-grade fever
• Lower abdominal cramps/pain
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in groin
• A general feeling of illness

Pain during intercourse is also one of the UTI symptoms or urinary tract infection symptoms in women. It should be noted that the symptoms become severe when the infection travels to the kidneys. Severe lower abdominal pain and back pain, pain in flank along with the urinary difficulties are the classical symptoms of kidney infections. In case of older people, severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting are the significant symptoms of urinary tract infection. They may also experience difficulties in urination; however, other symptoms like fever and chills may not be found. Instead, cough and shortness of breath may be experienced.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in Children

Urinary tract infection in children is also as common as that in case of adults. The causes of UTI in children are holding urine for a long time, not maintaining proper hygiene after using the toilet, wearing tight fitting clothes, etc. The symptoms of UTI in children are more or less similar to those observed in adults. The following are the UTI symptoms in children and infants.

• Pain and frequent urination
• Foul or strong smelling urine
• Bed wetting (in infants and babies)
• High grade fever
• Lower abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

As urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with the help of antibiotics. If adults or children observe urinary tract infection symptoms, it is wise to consult the doctor immediately and look for antibiotics for UTI. In case, it is reached only to the urethra or the urinary bladder, it can be treated in a short period of time. However, if it has reached the kidneys, one may experience severe consequences and the healing time will also increase. One should note that kidney infection can be life-threatening and hence, it is essential to identify the UTI symptoms as soon as possible and commence treatment immediately. Long term antibiotics are prescribed to people suffering from frequent infections and for complicated UTI treatment.

This was brief information on urinary tract infection symptoms in adults and children. Lastly, as a concluding note, one should remember that maintaining proper habits of hygiene, avoiding tight fitting clothes and having sufficient amounts of water can help in prevention of this discomfort causing condition. Therefore, one should follow it to stay away from the infections. Take care!