A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria travels up the urinary tract. This results in an irritation of part or parts of the urinary tract and an infection. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is important that if you are feeling these symptoms you see your doctor so that you can be tested and the infection can be treated appropriately. Complications of a urinary tract infection include more serious infection or kidney damage.
Pain
Many persons feel pain in the bladder or pelvic region. Some describe it as pressure in the lower belly. Some may have lower back pain. Back pain is more common if the person has a kidney infection.
Burning With Urination
Most times, persons with a urinary infection have a burning or stinging sensation when going to the bathroom. Foul smelling urine, urine that is cloudy or discolored are also common symptoms.
Urinary Frequency and Urinary Urgency
Urinary frequency is when you feel as if your bladder is full and that you need to keep going to the bathroom. Urinary urgency is when you feel the need to go, but when you get to the bathroom you cannot urinate or only a small amount comes out.
Shakiness, Nausea and Fever
Nausea and vomiting are other, less common symptoms. Sometimes a person with a urinary tract infection may have a fever or feel shaky. A kidney infection most times will present with a fever.
Blood or Leukocytes in Urine
When you go to the doctor's office, she may do a urinalysis and find blood or leukocytes in your urine. Sometimes you can see blood in your urine or the urine can be tinged with blood when you have a urinary infection.
