What Are the Signs of a UTI?

Urinary tract infections can be simple issues that can be resolved with antibiotics. They can also be serious medical conditions that require immediate treatment. UTIs have recognizable symptoms and are typically easy to diagnose. They are far more common in women than in men.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system which consists of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. Any part of the urinary system may become infected. A UTI that remains in the bladder can cause pain and urinary problems but is not as serious an issue as a UTI that spreads to the kidneys.

Causes

Women are more at risk than men for urinary tract infections. The urinary system is designed to keep harmful bacteria and germs from infecting the bladder, kidneys or the other parts of the of the urinary system. A UTI occurs when the urinary system fails to do this. Bacteria enters the system and develops into an infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI depend on the part of the urinary system that is infected.
If the UTI is in the bladder, an individual may experience abdominal pain, slight fever, and painful urination.
In the urethra, an individual will experience similar symptoms to that of a bladder infection, however, urination will result in an intense burning sensation.
In the kidneys, symptoms include vomiting, chills, high fever, back pain and burning sensation when urinating. A UTI kidney infection is the most serious type.

Complications

If a UTI is treated in a reasonably timely manner and properly, it will often not cause many complications. Left untreated, UTI can lead to kidney and bladder problems. Young children and older adults are more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Women are also more at risk of getting a UTI.

Treatment

If you are decently healthy and your infection is not too severe, antibiotics are the first option for treatment of a UTI. Typically, a simple UTI will clear up within days of receiving treatment. If the infection is recurrent, however, a different treatment approach must be taken. Antibiotics may be prescribed for a longer period of time and doctors may suggest other self-treatment methods. Severe infections may require hospitalization.