subject: How to Know If You Have a Urinary Tract Infection [print this page] How to Know If You Have a Urinary Tract Infection
There are a number of symptoms associated with a bladder infection, which is also known as a urinary tract infection. This infection is one of the most common types of bladder problems.
A urinary tract infection is is often abbreviated as "UTI." Doctors and other medical professionals often refer to this condition as "cystitis."
Symptoms of a UTI or bladder infection are not easy to miss, even for someone who's not a doctor. However, bladder infection symptoms are similar to kidney infection symptoms, which can be much more serious because a chronic kidney infection can eventually lead to a major kidney problem, including kidney failure.
See below for information on the differences between the two types of infections.
UTI Symptoms
Here are the most typical symptoms of a UTI.
There's typically an urgent need to empty the bladder. Most people urinate about six times daily. When the need to urinate strikes more frequently, cystitis is a distinct possibility.
Typically, very little urine is produced. Once this cycle begins, the urge to urinate recurs quickly, with the same results.
You'll probably experience a burning or stinging sensation during urination. The medical name for this condition is dysuria.
In some cases, you may have cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine.
Bladder spasms are also a possibility. A bladder spasm resembles a muscle spasm. It's a sudden and involuntary squeezing sensation that occurs when the bladder contracts without warning. When this takes place, you feel an urgent need to urinate.
Mild fevers are common when you have cystitis, but they don't happen every time.
Some discomfort may occur in the lower abdomen, back, or sides.
It's best to go see your doctor right away if you think you're developing a bladder infection. The faster you begin treatment, the more discomfort you'll save yourself.The symptoms won't probably won't pass if you just ignore them: they'll just get worse.
Symptoms can go on for a long time if you wait for them to subside on their own. A urinary tract infection can usually be treated quickly and effectively with antibiotics.
Kidney Infections Vs. Bladder Infections
Kidney infections are especially dangerous because they can damage kidney function permanently. An acute kidney infection begins with the severe symptoms which include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. But it ends quickly once it has run it's course or has been treated.
However, a chronic kidney infection develops over a period of time, and gets worse. Chronic kidney infections can cause kidney failure, which can ultimately result in kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant.
As with a UTI, there may also be urine that is cloudy, dark, or even bloody; pain in the abdominal area; a burning or stinging sensation when you have to urinate; and the need to urinate often.
Most individuals who have a kidney infection also have back pain slightly above the waist.
A correct diagnosis of a kidney infection is vital since these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases. Only your doctor can make the distinction and get it right.
