A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade and grow within the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are quite common, affecting millions of people each year. While many UTIs are confined to the lower urinary tract, prompt evaluation and appropriate care can prevent more serious health issues from developing.
Common Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection
Most urinary tract infections begin in the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra. Individuals often experience a persistent, strong urge to urinate, even if their bladder feels empty. Urinating can also be accompanied by a burning sensation or discomfort. Another common indicator is passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
The appearance and smell of urine can also change. Urine may appear cloudy, or in some cases, red, bright pink, or cola-colored, which indicates the presence of blood. A strong or foul odor in the urine is also frequently reported. Women might experience pelvic pain, typically centered in the lower abdomen around the pubic bone, while men may feel pain in the rectum.
When a UTI Becomes an Emergency
A urinary tract infection can escalate to a serious condition. This happens when the infection travels from the lower urinary tract up to the kidneys, a condition known as pyelonephritis.
Signs include a fever, particularly 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, often accompanied by chills and shaking. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection.
Pain in the upper back and sides, specifically flank pain located below the ribs, indicates that the kidneys may be involved. In older adults, confusion or altered mental status can be the primary sign of a serious UTI.
If initial symptoms worsen rapidly or do not improve after a day or two, or if symptoms appear in pregnant women, children, or individuals with weakened immune systems, immediate medical consultation is necessary. These groups are at a higher risk for severe complications.
Potential Dangers of Untreated UTIs
Leaving a urinary tract infection untreated can lead to significant health complications. One of the primary risks is the infection spreading from the bladder to one or both kidneys, resulting in a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. This can cause more intense symptoms and requires more aggressive treatment.
Repeated or severe kidney infections may lead to permanent kidney damage or scarring, potentially affecting kidney function over time. In rare but serious instances, bacteria from an untreated UTI can enter the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis, specifically urosepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme and dangerous response to an infection, which can result in tissue damage, organ failure, or even death.
For pregnant women, an untreated UTI increases the risk of premature birth or delivering a low birth weight infant. Delaying treatment can make individuals more susceptible to recurrent infections in the future.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a UTI
If you suspect a urinary tract infection, contacting a healthcare professional is important. A doctor can diagnose a UTI by analyzing a urine sample for bacteria or other signs of infection. Sometimes, a urine culture identifies the specific type of bacteria, aiding in effective treatment selection.
UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms begin to improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary system. Relying solely on home remedies or delaying diagnosis and treatment is not recommended, as this can allow the infection to worsen.