The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports E. coli is the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections among Americans. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment affecting all age groups of both sexes. An infection limited to the bladder is a lower UTI or cystitis. An infection that ascends to the kidney is an upper UTI or pyelonephritis. Both infections are characterized by the abnormal presence of bacteria in the urine, which is most commonly E. coli. Notably, the symptoms of a UTI caused by E. coli are indistinguishable from UTIs caused by other bacteria.
Urinary Urgency and Frequency
The American Urological Association reports that infection irritates the cells lining the urinary tract, triggering frequent and urgent sensations to urinate. Although urinary frequency is increased, the total volume of urine output is unchanged. Urinary urgency may cause accidental urine loss, especially in children. Bedwetting and daytime wetting accidents are common in young children with UTIs.
Dysuria
Dysuria--a burning or stinging pain on urination--is a classic symptom of urinary tract infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men, women and children experience this symptom with a UTI.
Back, Flank, Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Lower UTI rarely causes notable pain in an adult, other than dysuria. Some adults may experience a diffuse sense of discomfort in the lower pelvis. Children with lower UTI may complain of abdominal or pelvic pain, advises NIDDK. Involvement of the kidney in an upper UTI often causes pain in the back, or flank, in adults and children.
Fever
The Merck Manual relates that fever may be a symptom of lower or upper UTI in infants and children. In adults, fever is often present with pyelonephritis but not cystitis.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may indicate the presence of UTI in infants and young children. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that among adults, nausea and vomiting sometimes accompany an upper UTI, but not an uncomplicated bladder infection.
Abnormal Urine Appearance
Infection of the urinary tract typically causes a mixture of small amounts of blood, white blood cells, and bacteria in the urine. These elements and changes in the urine chemistry due to the infection often cause the urine to appear opaque rather than clear. The urine may also appear slightly pink, red or brown depending on how much blood is present. The Mayo Clinic notes that infected urine may have a strong, foul odor.
References
- American Urological Association: Urinary Tract Infection in Adults
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- Mayo Clinic: Cystitis
- American Family Physician: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections
