Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections people have. They are more common among women due to anatomy, but men can also be plagued with them. These infections are also more common in the elderly and those with weak immune systems. Most urinary tract infections are acute, meaning they occur once and never return.
When bacteria normally present in the large intestines, like E. Coli, gain entrance to the urinary tract through the urethra, infections can occur. The bacteria can travel up the urethra, into the bladder, and if left untreated, into the kidneys. The symptoms urinary tract infections cause range from mild to severe. Luckily, most urinary tract infections are easy to treat.
Although urinary tract infections can resolve themselves on their own, there are complications that can occur if left untreated. These consequences include permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys and chronic infections of both the urinary tract and kidneys. A urinary tract infection should be treated as soon as symptoms appear to avoid complications in the future.
1. Bladder Pain
The bacteria which causes urinary tract infections can travel up the urethra and into the urinary tract, where they can grow and multiply. These bacteria cause the bladder to become inflamed and irritated. This inflammation can cause both intermittent and persistent bladder pain. The uncomfortable feeling and pain in the bladder varies and can range from mild to severe.
2. Lower Abdomen
Pain Lower abdomen pain is a common symptom of urinary tract infections. When bacteria are present in the urinary tract, they can irritate many of the structures. This causes generalized pain in the lower abdomen. For some people, the pain can feel like cramps. Women may associate the cramping with their menstrual cycle. For some, the pain has a burning quality to it, especially during urination.
3. Frequent Urination
The irritation of the bladder that urinary tract infections cause can cause frequent urination. This means going to the bathroom more than eight times in a twenty-four-hour period. This symptom of a urinary tract infection can occur suddenly and may result in incontinence. It can accompany an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the bladder. The frequency of urination may be greater, but the amount of urine present during the urination may be less than usual. This often results in a person running to use the bathroom, but being unable to get more than a drop or two out when they urinate.
4. Whole Body Fatigue
Most people suffering from a urinary tract infection will have some type of discomfort. For some, a whole-body fatigue sets in, sometimes without any other symptoms. This fatigue is a result of the body using energy to fight off the urinary tract infection. As the body needs to use more resources to kill the bacteria, the person may feel run down and tired.
Although typically this fatigue is a symptom that occurs with other, more obvious, symptoms, it can occur on its own. Since there are many ailments and infections which can cause whole body fatigue, it can be difficult to pinpoint the reason behind the symptom. When whole body fatigue occurs over a period without subsiding, it is important to be seen by a physician. In the case of urinary tract infections that only occur with this symptom, kidney infections can occur due to the length of time between the onset of the infection and the treatment.
5. Fever
Along with whole body fatigue, fever is a symptom of the body fighting off a urinary tract infection. Fever is an immune response the body uses to kill bacteria. Bacteria thrive in very specific environments. The human body typically hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When that temperature increases, the bacteria cannot survive and grow. Although fever is not the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection, it can occur. This is especially true when the bacteria have been allowed to grow for a longer amount of time.
6. Bladder Spasm
Bladder spasm is a painful symptom of urinary tract infections. A bladder spasm occurs when the bladder involuntarily contracts causing an urgent need to urinate. The spasm can be strong enough to force urine from the bladder, causing incontinence. The spasms can cause pain in the bladder and are often described as a burning pain or a menstrual cramp type pain.
7. Dark Urine
Typically, urine is straw-colored when no infection is present. When there is a urinary tract infection growing, dark urine may be observed. The bacteria present during an infection can cause irritation in the urethra. This can cause blood being present in the urine, giving the appearance of dark urine. The body also may produce pus to combat the bacteria. This pus can cloud the urine, also causing a darker appearance, along with a foul smell.
8. Persistent Urge to Urinate
A persistent urge to urinate is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection. As described earlier, spasms in the bladder can cause an urgency to urinate during an infection. The spasms can squeeze urine through the urethra without warning. This can cause embarrassing incontinence without warning. This urgency tends to be present around the clock. Often, only small amounts of urine are expelled even though it feels like the bladder is full.
