Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Symptoms
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. Normal urine is sterile. It contains fluids, salts, and waste products, but it is free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. An infection occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the urethra, or opening to the urinary tract, and begin to multiply.
Symptoms of a UTI
Not everyone with a UTI has symptoms, but most people get at least some signs. They can range from slightly irritating to very painful. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, but only passing a small amount of urine and a burning sensation, pressure, or pain in the area of the bladder or when urinating. The urine itself may look milky or cloudy, even reddish if blood is present. It is not unusual to feel tired, shaky or washed out. Often, women feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone, and some men feel fullness in the rectum. A fever may mean the infection has reached the kidneys. Other symptoms of a kidney infection include pain in your back or your side below the ribs, nausea or vomiting, and chills. It is very important to see your health care provider at the first sign of pain, irritation, or blood when you urinate or if you have discomfort in or near your abdomen, back, or sides. An untreated UTI can lead to a kidney infection. An untreated or recurrent kidney infection can lead to scarring of the kidneys and permanent kidney damage.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
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