Overview
A urinary tract infection happens when germs, usually bacteria, enter the urinary system and grow. The infection may involve the urethra, bladder, or, in more serious cases, the kidneys. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to illness that needs urgent medical care.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include burning or pain during urination, needing to urinate more often, and a strong urge to urinate even when little comes out. Urine may look cloudy, dark, or bloody, and it may have a strong smell. Lower belly discomfort is also common. If the infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the back or side.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra. Risk can be higher with sexual activity, pregnancy, menopause-related changes, urinary blockage such as kidney stones, catheter use, dehydration, or conditions that affect bladder emptying. Diabetes and immune system problems can also raise the risk.
Who Is Affected
UTIs can affect children, adults, and older people of any sex. They are more common in females because the urethra is shorter. Older adults, pregnant people, people with urinary catheters, and those with structural urinary tract problems may have a higher chance of complications.
Prevention
Helpful steps may include drinking enough fluids, not delaying urination for long periods, and wiping front to back after using the toilet. Urinating after sexual activity may help some people. Avoiding irritating intimate products and following catheter care instructions carefully can also reduce risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional usually asks about symptoms and may test a urine sample. The urine may be checked for signs of infection, and sometimes it is sent for culture to identify the germ. In people with repeated infections, severe symptoms, or suspected complications, imaging or other tests may be considered.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on where the infection is, how severe it is, and the person's overall health. A clinician may recommend medicines to treat the infection and may suggest ways to ease discomfort. It is important to seek professional guidance rather than self-treating, especially for children, pregnancy, recurrent symptoms, or possible kidney infection.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a UTI, especially if they are new, severe, or not improving. Seek medical advice promptly if you are pregnant, have a child with symptoms, are an older adult, have a urinary catheter, or have frequent UTIs. Blood in the urine, trouble urinating, or symptoms that keep returning also need medical assessment.
When It May Be an Emergency
Urgent care is needed if symptoms of a UTI happen along with fever, shaking chills, vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, or pain in the side or back, because these can be signs of a kidney infection or infection spreading. Get emergency help if the person seems very unwell, cannot keep fluids down, has trouble staying awake, or has signs of sepsis.