UTI Infection Symptoms

Urinary tract infections commonly develop in the bladder, but they can also occur in other parts of the urinary tract such as the urethra and kidneys. Bacterium causes these types of infections. And once bacterium enters your urinary tract, you'll likely encounter a host of discomforting symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Identification

• Symptoms vary from person to person. And oftentimes, mild urinary tract infections don't cause immediate symptoms. But if the illness progresses, typical symptoms include stinging or burning while urinating, frequent urination, cloudy urine, foul smelling urine and the presence of blood in the urine.

Risk Factors/Causes

• Different things contribute to urinary tract infections. Infections develop when bacteria enter and spread throughout the urinary tract. Infections are common in sexually active females when bacteria in the vaginal area enter the urethra and travel to the urinary tract. The frequent use of certain hygiene products (douches and scented vaginal sprays) and bubble baths may also contribute to urinary tract infections in females.

  Other risk factors that affect men and women include a weakened immune system and urinary disorders such as prostate abnormalities and kidney stones.

Solution/Treatment

• There are numerous ways to treat urinary tract infections and relieve symptoms. You can experiment with home remedies such as taking Vitamin C supplements to improve your immune system and drinking water to flush bacteria from your urinary tract. But in most cases, urinary tract infections require antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop the infection. Schedule a doctor's appoint and take medications as directed.

Time Frame

• If taking antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection, symptoms of a UTI normally subside within three to seven days. Even if your condition improves after one or two days, it's imperative to continue taking your medication as directed by a doctor to prevent a recurrence.

Warning/Complications

• Urinary tract infections normally start in the bladder. But if left untreated, bacterium can spread to the kidneys. Symptoms of urinary tract infections that affect the kidneys include a fever, flank pain, nausea, chills and vomiting. This is a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Kidney infections can result in permanent kidney damage or blood poisoning.