Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans.

A UTI can happen anywhere in your urinary tract. Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract. However, UTIs can involve the ureters and kidneys, in the upper tract. Although upper tract UTIs are more rare than lower tract UTIs, they’re also usually more severe.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a UTI depend on what part of the urinary tract is infected.

Lower tract UTIs affect the urethra and bladder.

Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include

Burning with urination
Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
Increased urgency of urination
Bloody urine
Cloudy urine
Urine that looks like cola or tea
Urine that has a strong odor
Pelvic pain in women
Rectal pain in men

Upper tract UTIs

They affect the kidneys. These can be potentially life threatening if bacteria move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition, called urosepsis, can cause dangerously low blood pressure, shock, and death.

Symptoms of an upper tract UTI include

Pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
Chills
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting

What are the Causes and risk factors of an UTI

Age — older adults are more likely to get UTIs
Reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest
Kidney stones
A previous UTI
Urinary tract obstructions or blockages, such as an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and certain forms of cancer
Prolonged use of urinary catheters, which may make it easier for bacteria to get into your bladder
diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, which may make it more likely for you to get a UTI
Pregnancy
Abnormally developed urinary structures from birth
A weakened immune system
Additional risk factors in women include naturally shorter urethra and decrease in estrogen levels. However, UTIs happen much more frequently in women than in men. The ratio is 8:1. This means that for every eight women who have UTIs, only one man does