When bacteria abnormally enter the bladder, a medical condition called a urinary tract infection---or UTI---can develop. This common infection can affect persons of any age, but occurs most frequently in sexually active women, explains Family Doctor, a medical information website established by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Left untreated, the symptoms of a UTI can spread from the bladder into the kidneys, leading to a severe kidney infection.
Increased or Painful Urination
Bladder irritation caused by bacteria can stimulate the muscles within the bladder wall, causing an affected patient to feel like she needs to urinate. These sensations can occur even when the bladder has recently been emptied. Patients with a urinary tract infection can develop a frequent urge to urinate that is accompanied by painful sensations during urination, explain medical professionals at the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center. These symptoms can be irritating and unpleasant and typically worsen if treatment is not received.
Abdominal Pain
Inflammation from the bladder caused by bacteria within the urine can radiate into the muscles of the abdomen. If this occurs, patients can experience sensations of pain or fullness within the lower abdomen or pelvic region, explains PDR Health, a medical information website created by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Abdominal pain symptoms can be mild to severe and may contribute to upset stomach symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting in certain patients. Pain that extends into the lower back may be a symptom of a more severe kidney infection and requires immediate medical attention.
Urine Discoloration
Urine that contains bacteria may appear discolored in patients with a UTI. Approximately 30 percent of UTI patients develop cloudy urine that contains a small amount of blood, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for health professionals. Urine can also appear darker than usual or may emit an usual, unpleasant odor. Urine that contains blood can be a sign that the bacterial infection has infiltrated the kidneys and requires prompt medical attention.
Fever
In certain cases, fever can occur as a symptom of a UTI, explains PDR Health. A fever is a natural response generated by the immune system to prevent the replication and growth of abnormally-occurring pathogens. Fever symptoms are typically low-grade and may contribute to additional symptoms, such as chills, sweating, body aches or headache. A high fever can indicate a more severe infection and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
