Urinary Tract Infection

Signs and Symptoms
Although UTI symptoms vary, many people will experience:

• A strong, persistent desire to urinate
• A burning sensation during urination
• A cloudy, strong-smelling urine
• Lower back pain

Those with UTIs may also have pressure in the lower abdomen and small amounts of blood in the urine. If the UTI is more severe and/or has spread into the kidneys, it may cause flank pain, high fever, shaking, chills, nausea or vomiting. Fevers are also seen when the infection spreads into the blood (sepsis). Some people may also experience mental changes and confusion with a UTI, while others may not have any symptoms at all.

In most cases, UTIs are acute and uncomplicated. They are treated and the symptoms subside within a day or two. UTIs that spread to the kidneys, however, may cause permanent kidney damage, especially in the elderly and the very young. Conditions or diseases that result in chronic or recurrent UTIs may damage the kidneys and, in some cases, cause kidney failure. Renal failure and septicemia can be life-threatening conditions. They require immediate treatment, which often involves hospitalization. In pregnant women, a UTI can lead to premature labor and delivery and cause high blood pressure. In men, a UTI can cause prostate infection and inflammation, which can be difficult to treat.