A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system and is more common than you think. It can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. It’s often caused by the E. coli bacteria present in the colon and within and around the anus. The chances of a UTI are higher in women since their urethra is shorter and closer to the anal opening. While 1 in 10 men can get a UTI in their lifetime, 1 in 2 women is prone to develop a UTI, along with chances of repeated infections.
This article discusses the early warning signs and symptoms of UTIs to help diagnose it early and get timely treatment to manage it effectively.
The symptoms of urinary tract infections
The symptoms and early warning signs of UTI vary and depend on the severity of the infection. There are some common symptoms experienced by many, though some symptoms may show up more than others. The following are some early warning signs of a UTI:
- Cloudy urine
Urine is normally clear and has a slight yellowish color occasionally. However, it’s a red flag if one regularly passes urine that is darker in color or significantly opaque. Passing cloudy urine is among the first signs of having a UTI. The infection gives the urine a murky appearance due to the presence of dead skin cells and bacteria. - Foul-smelling urine
Under normal circumstances, urine is almost odorless or has a tinge of scent like ammonia. However, another common early warning sign of UTIs is urine with a strong odor or any unusual smell. The smell, especially if accompanied by a cloudy appearance, is a clear indication of a UTI. - Urinating more often
Visiting the bathroom several times during the day and quite often at night indicates the possibility of an infection. Frequent urination is a sign of interstitial cystitis that causes inflammation of the bladder muscles. The inflammation triggers a reaction that compels one to urinate more often, but they only pass a small amount of urine. - A frequent or intense urge to pee
Inflammation of the bladder or the urethra triggers a strong and persistent urge to urinate. The infection in the urinary system puts intense pressure on the receptors that signal the need to urinate immediately. - A feeling that the bladder is not empty
Another early warning sign of a UTI is the feeling of the balder not getting empty. The inflammation narrows the urinary opening and allows one to pass only small quantities of urine, which results in frequent trips to the bathroom but also the feeling of the bladder not being emptied.
If the symptoms persist, one must visit a doctor to help combat the spread of infection and avoid a relapse in the future.
