UTI Infection

A urinary tract infection (or UTI) is an infection that is caused by micro organism. Most commonly UTI is caused by bacteria. But infection can also be caused by fungus and Viruses.

UTIs are the most common form of infection in humans. The UTI can happen anywhere in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is the passage of the urinary system. Hence, it is comprised of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Most of the UTIs only involve the lower tract that is bladder and urethra. The upper tract UTIs are rare but they are usually more severe.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

The symptoms mostly depend on the part of the urinary tract that gets infected. The lower tract UTIs affect the urethra and bladder and can cause the following symptoms:

increased frequency of urination.
a burning sensation during urination
a sudden urgency of urination
cloudy and bloody urine
urine having a dark reddish brown colour
a strong odour in the urine
pelvic, lower abdominal , low back pain.

The kidneys are affected by the upper tract UTIs. The condition can be life threatening. Bacteria might spread from infected kidney into the blood. It is known as urosepsis and can cause low blood pressure. Shock and death can result. The symptoms include:

chills fever weakness
tenderness and pain in the sides and back
nausea
fever