What Are the Symptoms of an Upper UTI Infection?

Recognising the Symptoms of an Upper UTI Infection

An upper urinary tract infection (UTI), is a type of infection that affects the kidneys or the ureters. It occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder up to the kidneys. While lower UTIs are more common and usually less serious, an upper UTI can cause more severe symptoms and may lead to complications if not treated quickly. 

Knowing the signs of an upper UTI can help individuals get the right treatment before the infection worsens. Read on to learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of upper UTI. 

Common Symptoms of an Upper UTI 

Upper UTIs usually cause stronger and more noticeable symptoms than lower UTIs. Here are the common signs someone might experience: 

1. Back or Side Pain: A person with an upper UTI often feels pain in the lower back or side, usually just below the ribs. The pain may be dull or sharp and tends to be on one side. 
2. Fever and Chills: The person may have a high fever and feel cold or shivery, even if the room is warm or covered with a blanket. 
3. Nausea and Vomiting: The infection can cause an upset stomach, leading to nausea and sometimes vomiting. 
4. Fatigue or Confusion: The person might feel very tired, weak, or foggy-headed. Older adults might even show signs of confusion or restlessness. 
5. Burning Sensation While Urinating: They may feel a burning or stinging sensation when urinating, a common sign of any type of UTI. 
6. Frequent Urge to Urinate: Even if the bladder isn’t full, the person might feel the need to urinate often. 
7. Blood in the Urine: Urine may look pink, red, or dark, which could mean there's blood in it. 
8. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: The urine might appear cloudy or have a strong, unpleasant smell. 

What Causes an Upper UTI? 

Most upper UTIs are caused by bacteria, especially a type called E. coli. These bacteria can enter the urethra from the skin, after using the toilet, or during sexual intercource. Once inside, the bacteria can travel from the bladder up into the kidneys. Upper UTIs are most commonly caused by ascending bacterial infections, usually from a lower UTI that spreads to the kidneys if not treated promptly. 

Who’s at Risk for an Upper UTI? 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect anyone, but certain individuals are more susceptible to developing them: 

• Women, due to having shorter urethras 
• Sexually active individuals 
• People with diabetes 
• Those with kidney stones or any condition that blocks urine flow 
• Individuals who have had a kidney transplant 
• People who currently use or have recently used a urinary catheter 

How is an Upper UTI Diagnosed? 

To find out if you have an upper UTI, a doctor may: 

• Ask about the symptoms 
• Take a urine sample for a urinalysis or urine culture 
• In more severe cases, doctors may also order blood tests or imaging studies to assess kidney involvement or rule out complications such as obstruction or abscess. 

A urinalysis looks for white or red blood cells in the urine, which may mean there’s an infection. A urine culture helps identify the specific bacteria causing it. 

How is an Upper UTI Treated? 

All UTIs are treated with antibiotics, but the type of antibiotics depends on how severe the infection is: 

• A mild infection might be treated with 7-14 days of oral antibiotics, depending on the antibiotic used, patient factors, and bacterial sensitivity. 
• More serious or recurring infections may need stronger antibiotics, either taken for longer or given through an injection or IV in a hospital. 

Can Upper UTIs Be Prevented? 

There are several simple steps that can help lower the risk of developing a UTI: 

• Drinking plenty of water 
• Wiping from front to back after using the toilet 
• Urinating after sexual activity 
• Using a new condom or barrier for each sexual encounter 
• Avoiding the use of douches or genital sprays 
• Some individuals find cranberry juice or D-mannose supplements beneficial. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor first. 

What Happens if an Upper UTI is Not Treated? 

If not treated in time, an upper UTI can lead to serious problems like: 

• Kidney damage 
• Kidney failure 
• Sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection) 
• During pregnancy, untreated UTIs can also increase the risk of preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight and in rare cases, fetal death. 

Upper UTIs are serious and need quick medical attention. Early recognition and treatment of upper UTIs play a vital role in preventing serious complications. Timely medical attention ensures that individuals receive the appropriate care before the infection progresses. This reduces the risk of kidney damage and costly hospitalizations.  

Symptoms, causes, and treatments of upper urinary tract infections may vary depending on individual health conditions and circumstances. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment options. 

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