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Urinary Tract Infections With Upper Abdominal Pain

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), urinary tract infections (UTIs) result in over 8 million doctor visits each year. Urinary tract infections accompanied by upper abdominal pain may indicate serious health problems and should be treated immediately.

  1. The Facts

    • Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria from your rectal area enter your urethra (the tube that empties your bladder) and multiply there, ultimately causing an infection that may travel to your bladder or kidneys.

    Common Symptoms

    • If you're experiencing a UTI, you may undergo symptoms such as an overwhelming urge to urinate, burning during urination, bloody or foul-smelling urine, and the inability to urinate, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Upper Abdominal Pain

    • Depending upon the type of UTI you have, abdominal pain may accompany your other symptoms. Pain in the lower abdomen occurs with a bladder infection, whereas upper abdominal pain and pain in your back, below your ribs, or in your groin often accompany a kidney infection.

    Complications

    • If you experience upper abdominal pain along with other symptoms of a UTI, seek immediate treatment since you may have a kidney infection; potential complications include permanent kidney damage and blood poisoning.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Drinking plenty of water and urinating following intercourse are important ways of minimizing your chances of developing urinary tract infections.

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