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Thursday, January 9, 2014

How to Recognise a Urinary Tract Infection?

An infection, which occurs in any part of the urinary tract, is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). It can take place in the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The majority of urinary tract infections involve the lower part of the urinary tract (the bladder and the urethra). UTI is common in women compared to men. It usually occurs in an anatomically normal urinary tract in females. It is uncommon in children and men. Their infections are often associated with an abnormal urinary tract. Therefore, they need further investigation.


Symptoms

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are:
  • Increased frequency of urination by day and night
  • Painful urination or burning sensation while passing urine (dysuria)
  • A persistent, strong desire to urinate
  • Passing cloudy urine
  • Lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain in females, and rectal pain in males
  • Passing bright pink, red, or cola coloured urine (blood in the urine/haematuria)
  • Smelly urine
  • Sometimes, fever

Urinary tract infections also present with mild or no symptoms. Sometimes they may be linked with unusual (atypical) symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or passing blood with urine (haematuria) in the absence of painful or increased frequency of urination.

In small kids, who cannot complain their discomfort, symptoms are often unusual. If your child is sick, having fever (febrile), or irritable and is with inadequate physical growth (failure to thrive), the possibility of a urinary tract infection should always be considered.

Sudden behavioural changes or confusion can be the only sign of a urinary tract infection in elderly people.

Certain symptoms of a UTI are linked with the part of the urinary tract affected.

Infections in the urethra (Urethritis) cause a burning sensation with urination. UTIs in the bladder (cystitis) can result in a discomfort or a pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic pressure, blood in the urine (haematuria), and painful, frequent urination. Nausea, vomiting, high fever, chills, and flank or upper back pain can be symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis).

If you have a symptom of a urinary tract infection, consult your doctor.



Related Links:

Urinary Tract Infection: Causes
Who Is at Risk of UTI?
UTI: Complications and Diagnosis
UTI: Treatments
How to Prevent a UTI? 
How to Manage Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children?
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Founder & Author

Dr. Nalaka Priyantha
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Dr. Nalaka Priyantha is the founder and author of 'DRN Health World'. He currently works at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka as a senior medical officer. He is blogging about healthy living since 2012.Read More About Dr. Nalaka...