Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Primary symptoms of UTIs
A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, kidney, ureters or urthethra. The following are possible signs or symptoms of a UTI:

• an urge to pass urine frequently, with only small amounts of urine
• back pain
• feeling tired or shaky
• fever
• leaking urine
• nausea
• pain, burning or stinging during urination
• pressure in the lower belly.
• side pain below the ribs
• urine that smells bad or looks milky, cloudy, or reddish in color

Symptoms of a UTI in children
Unlike adults, children are more likely to experience a fever and no other symptoms of urinary tract infection if/when a UTI is present. Children should be seen by a doctor if there are any questions about these symptoms, especially a change in the child's urinary pattern. Children may be experiencing a UTI if s/he exhibits the symptoms listed above in addition to any the following symptoms:

• a change in urinary pattern
• irritable or fussy
• less active
• tummy pain
• wetting her/his clothes even though he or she is potty trained

Complications
Urinary tract infections that stem from a urinary obstruction or other systemic disorders must be identified. If the primary cause goes untreated, kidney damage is possible. Also, such infections tend to arise from a wider range of bacteria, and sometimes from more than one type of bacteria at a time.

When to seek help
If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor right away. A pregnant woman who develops a UTI should be diagnosed and treated promptly to avoid premature delivery of her baby and other risks such as high blood pressure. Also call your doctor if you have already been diagnosed with a UTI and the symptoms come back shortly after treatment with antibiotics. Finally, seek medical help if you exhibit symptoms of cystitis or a catheter-related UTI. Call a doctor if:

• are pregnant and suspect a UTI
• you have been diagnosed with a UTI and infection recurs
• you exhibit symptoms of cystitis or a cather-related UTI (back pain, flank pain, fever, vomiting)
• you see blood in the urine 

Every person may experience different symptoms primarily depending on the the individuals' physical health and wellness. However, only a doctor or can properly diagnose signs and symptoms as being related to a urinary tract infection. But what tests do they use and what can you expert during an office visit? Continue reading to learn more about how to diagnose and how to get rid of a UTI in our Diagnosing UTI section that follows.