Signs & Symptoms of a UTI & Kidney Infection

The urinary tract, made up of the bladder and kidneys, produces urine and carries it out of the body. Bacteria can get into your urinary tract, which causes a urinary tract infection (UTI). Bladder infections, the most common form of UTI, are easily treated. However, if the infection reaches the kidney, it can cause permanent damage.

Causes

• Germs enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Typically, germs from the large intestine, found in the stool, can most easily be pushed into the urethra during sex. Because women have shorter urethras than men, they are more prone to contracting a UTI.

Symptoms

• If you notice you have the urge to urinate often, but cannot expel enough urine, you may have a UTI. Moreover, if it burns when you go to the bathroom, and your urine has a bad odor to it, you should see your doctor.

  Other symptoms include pain in the stomach and the back where your kidneys are located. If you experience these symptoms and also have a fever, nausea or are vomiting, see your doctor immediately. You should also see your doctor right away if you have a kidney disorder, diabetes, a weak immune system or are pregnant.

  Blood in your urine, fever, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that your UTI has reached the kidney. If you have a kidney infection, you need prompt medical attention. Left untreated, the infection could get into your bloodstream and become fatal.

Treatment

• Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics once a UTI is confirmed through a urinalysis. Take the full dose for as long as your doctor recommended. Do not stop taking your antibiotics even if you feel better. It will also help to drink a lot of fluids, as it will flush out the infection and hurt less when you urinate.

  To prevent contracting a UTI, remember to urinate before and after sex. Urinate as soon as you have to go. Also, drink cranberry juice to maintain optimum urinary health.

  Kidney infections may require hospitalization to administer antibiotics intravenously. If you suffer from chronic kidney infections, your doctor may recommend you to a urinary specialist to determine if a more serious, underlying condition is causing your infections.