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Signs & Symptoms of a Complicated UTI

A complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) affects the upper urinary tract or lower urinary tract when an anatomic abnormality (a component of the urinary tract that is abnormal in location or size, or an abnormal structure), a urinary catheter (a small tube that allows urine drainage when inserted into the bladder) or a functional abnormality (abnormal function of the urinary tract components) is present, according to Johns Hopkins University. Approximately 95 percent of all complicated UTIs are caused by bacteria. The signs and symptoms of complicated UTIs will vary and ultimately depend on the patient and where the infection is located.

  1. Lower Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

    • When a complicated UTI is confined to the lower urinary tract, certain symptoms are often present. A frequent urge to urinate, cloudy urine, bloating, lower abdominal pressure or discomfort, blood in the urine and strong smelling urine can occur, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

    Infected Urethra Symptoms

    • If the urethra is infected, one of more of the lower urinary tract infection symptoms are often present. A burning pain while urinating can also occur when the infection is within the urethra, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

    Kidney Infection Symptoms

    • When a complicated UTI affects the kidneys, the symptoms tend to be more serious and often affect the entire body. The symptoms will last longer than a week. The symptoms are nausea and vomiting, increase in urine output at night, pain in the back around the waistline, and persistent fever and chills lasting for longer than two days, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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