A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria enter and multiply within any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While these infections are common, particularly in women, they can cause a range of uncomfortable sensations. Understanding how a UTI can feel is important for recognizing its presence and seeking appropriate care.
Hallmark Symptoms of a Lower UTI
A lower urinary tract infection often presents with distinct sensations, typically affecting the bladder or urethra. Dysuria, a burning, stinging, or sharp sensation during urination, is common. This pain can occur at the start of urination or after its completion.
Individuals frequently experience a constant urge to urinate, even when only small amounts are passed, a symptom known as urinary frequency. A sudden, intense need to urinate, known as urgency, can also arise, making it difficult to postpone voiding.
Many people with a lower UTI also report pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, often described as a constant, dull ache above the pubic bone. Urine may also appear cloudy, dark, or have a strong, foul odor. Sometimes, urine may even look pink, red, or brown due to the presence of blood.
Recognizing Symptoms of an Upper UTI
When a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, it becomes an upper UTI, also known as pyelonephritis, causing more severe systemic symptoms. A person might experience a general feeling of being unwell, often accompanied by fever and shivering. These chills can be intense, indicating the body’s more widespread response to the infection.
A distinct pain or tenderness in the lower back or side, often on one side near the kidneys, is common with an upper UTI. This pain can be deep, aching, or sharp, and may extend to the groin area. Nausea and vomiting can also occur.
Accompanying these symptoms is significant tiredness, weakness, and malaise. This fatigue can significantly impact daily activities. These symptoms collectively suggest a more serious infection that requires prompt medical attention.
Subtle and Atypical Symptoms
Urinary tract infections can present with less obvious symptoms, especially in certain groups. In children, symptoms might be non-specific, making it harder to pinpoint a UTI. They may exhibit irritability, unexplained fever, poor feeding, or new-onset bedwetting, which reflects a general feeling of discomfort or sickness rather than localized urinary symptoms.
For older individuals, classic sensations like burning or urgency might be absent. Instead, they might experience confusion or sudden changes in behavior, such as agitation. Increased falls, general weakness, or a sudden loss of appetite are also possible. These changes can be primary indicators of an underlying UTI in the elderly.
Men, while less commonly affected by UTIs than women, can experience similar symptoms, though they might also feel pain in the rectum or prostate area. Initially, urinary symptoms in men might be less pronounced.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Understanding when to consult a healthcare professional is important for effective UTI management. If common UTI symptoms, such as painful urination or frequent urges, persist or worsen despite initial self-care, seek medical help. Symptoms that do not improve within a few days warrant evaluation.
Any fever, chills, back pain, nausea, or vomiting alongside urinary symptoms indicates a potential upper UTI and requires immediate medical attention. Seeing blood in the urine, which may appear red, pink, or brown, also warrants a medical visit. These more severe sensations suggest the infection may have spread.
Atypical symptoms in children, such as unexplained irritability or fever, or sudden confusion and behavioral changes in the elderly, should also prompt a medical consultation. If UTI symptoms recur frequently, such as two or more infections within six months or three within a year, professional advice is recommended for further evaluation and management.