Early Warning Signs of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Early Warning Signs of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in the urinary system and is usually caused by E. coli bacteria. It needs to be treated on time to prevent complications such as kidney failure. Given below are urinary tract infection (UTI) early warning signs that can help you detect the condition at an early stage.

  • Painful Urination
    One of the UTI early warning signs is dysuria or painful urination. The pain may start as mild discomfort and may lead to a severe burning sensation. The burning pain starts slowly and gradually increases in intensity. It is more common in women than in men. The increase in white blood cells causes inflammation, which leads to pain and burning while urinating.
  • Cloudy Urine
    In healthy people, urine is light yellow or clear in color and has no odor. If the urine is cloudy, then it is a definitive red flag. If the urine starts smelling foul, then it is virtually a confirmation of a urine infection. The presence of pus and white blood cells can change the color of the urine. Sometimes blood may be found in it, which is a serious sign and needs immediate medical attention.
  • Lower Abdomen Pain
    One of the early warning signs of a UTI is a pain in the lower abdomen and back. Inflammation in the bladder is a common result of a UTI, and it causes pain in the flanks. The pain can manifest as a dull ache. It may also appear as cramps. If accompanied by fever or chills, it a sign that should not be ignored, making a visit to the doctor mandatory.
  • Frequent Urination
    Frequently visiting the loo to urinate is one of the early warning signs of a UTI. The inflammation in the urinary tract is what causes frequent urination.
  • Increased Urge
    Apart from frequent urination, the urge to urinate becomes strong when you have a UTI. The inflammation puts pressure on the urinary bladder, leading to this symptom. A sudden increased urge accompanied with burning pain is a clear indicator of UTI. With increased urge, an inability to control or hold back urine is also a symptom. This can lead to embarrassing situations.
  • Difficulty Urinating
    UTI leads to a range of symptoms. Apart from frequent urination, a common symptom experienced is the inability to pass urine completely. This is because the inflammation makes the urethral opening narrow, resulting in the dribbling of urine. It also increases the number of trips to the loo.
  • Tiredness
    One of the early signs of a UTI is fatigue and exhaustion. This happens because of the reaction of the immune system to the disease. This could be one of the main early warning signs and symptoms of a UTI and can also lead to fever and chills.

The article on UTI early warning signs can be useful in detecting it at an early stage. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you need to immediately visit a doctor. This ensures you can get prompt treatment, so you don’t suffer any complications.