Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

UTI Symptoms in Women: Early Signs & Diagnosis Guide

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Recognising the UTI symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment. Common indicators include a strong, frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications.

Introduction

Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), and it is more common in women primarily due to a shorter urethra and its close proximity to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Approximately 60% of all women in India experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime. In this blog, we will discuss some common UTI symptoms. Additionally, we will discuss certain diagnostic tests for UTI and common treatment procedures.

What are the common UTI symptoms?

Common UTI symptoms include frequent urination, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and cloudy or bloody urine. Apart from these, individuals suffering from UTI experience a strong urge to pee, even when their bladder is empty. Here we will discuss some common indicators of urinary tract infection:

• Bladder Irritation: It is a common UTI symptom in females because the bacteria E. coli invade the urinary tract. Acute bacterial infection causes inflammation in the linings of the bladder, known as cystitis. E. coli multiplies in the bladder lining, causing the bladder to become red and irritated.
• Pain or Burning Sensation: Pain or burning sensation during urination is a common symptom of UTI due to inflammation of the inner linings of the urinary bladder from the bacterial infection. This acute inflammation makes the urinary tract more sensitive and causes irritation in these sensitive regions, causing pain and a burning sensation.
• Frequent Urge to Urinate: Chronic inflammation within the inner linings of the urinary bladder irritates and makes it sensitive. It triggers an immune response in the affected region, making the urethra sensitive. Intense sensitivity triggers the bladder to contract even when it is not full, creating a sensation of an urge to urinate.
• Discoloured Urine: Discoloured urine is one of the most common UTI symptoms, due to the presence of blood (haematuria) or pus (pyuria) in the urine. E. coli infection irritates and inflames the urinary tract lining, leading to bleeding and the release of white blood cells. This can easily change the natural appearance of the urine colour.
• Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain occurs because the bacterial infection in the urinary tract can cause muscle spasms in the bladder and surrounding pelvic muscles. This can contribute to intense and frequent pain and discomfort in the pelvic and lower abdominal regions. Sometimes other conditions, like PID, can worsen pelvic pain along with a UTI.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is a common UTI symptom in females, which can stem from the body’s immune response to the infection that can potentially spread to the kidneys. Constant immune response against the bacteria can lead to a feeling of exhaustion in the body. If, anyhow, the infection progresses to your kidneys, fatigue can become more pronounced.

How to Diagnose a Urinary Tract Infection?

Healthcare providers diagnose a urinary tract infection through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. These tests primarily involve urine analysis and, potentially, urine culture to identify bacterial colonies. Let us discuss these tests in detail:
 

• Clinical Evaluation

A doctor will assess symptoms like painful or frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, and cloudy urine, which may suggest a UTI. Additionally, the doctor will enquire about past UTIs, medications and medical conditions.

• Laboratory Tests

There are certain laboratory tests that doctors recommend to detect any kind of underlying UTI symptoms. These include:

1. Urinalysis: Doctors collect a urine sample to analyse the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase to indicate infection.
2. Urine culture: If urinalysis confirms a UTI, doctors may suggest a urine culture to determine the strain of the bacterial colony and provide the most effective antibiotic for treatment.
3. Cystoscopy: Doctors sometimes perform cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra to detect any structural abnormalities or inflammation.
    

What are the treatments for UTI symptoms?

The primary treatment for most urinary tract infections (UTIs) involves antibiotics to kill the underlying bacteria causing the infection. In addition to antibiotics, try to drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.

Let us discuss some of the common treatments for the symptoms of UTI:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most common and effective way to treat UTIs, as these drugs target and kill the bacteria completely. The specific type of antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the severity and location of the infection, as well as individual factors like pregnancy or other health conditions.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as it will dilute the urine and flush out those pathogenic bacteria from your urinary tract. Staying hydrated can help you ease the UTI symptoms, as these bacteria will not be able to multiply due to increased urination. Staying hydrated helps by diluting the urine and frequently flushing bacteria out of the urinary tract, which can help reduce the bacterial load and ease symptoms.
• Pain Relief: Doctors sometimes recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage UTI symptoms. These medications can be beneficial in managing symptoms like burning or stinging during urination. You can also use these medications to relieve pain in your lower abdomen or pelvic region.

What are the preventive measures for UTI infection symptoms?

In this particular section, we will discuss some preventive measures that you can follow to avoid urinary tract infections. These include:

• Hygiene: Try to wash your genital areas after using the bathroom. Additionally, try to avoid harsh soaps or scented products in your genital areas.
• Regular Urination: Empty your bladder frequently and completely to flush out any bacteria present in your urinary bladder.
• Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid scented feminine hygiene products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
• Cranberry Juice or Supplements: Recent studies suggest that cranberry juice or supplements can help in preventing UTIs. These products interfere with the bacteria’s ability to attach to your bladder walls.
   

Final Thoughts

UTI symptoms, like frequent urination or pain and burning sensations while urinating, can irritate the linings of your urinary tract. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, consult with your healthcare provider as early as possible to manage the issues. Complete the antibiotic course to eliminate the bacteria permanently. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene and staying hydrated may prevent UTI development.