What are the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection?
A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign. Signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection depend on whether the lower or upper urinary tract is affected. Lower urinary tract infection (affects bladder and/or urethra) signs and symptoms: • Cloudy urine • The urine may have an unpleasant smell • Hematuria – blood in urine • Frequent need to urinate – this may occur during the waking hours, sleeping hours, or both • Holding the urine in may become harder to do • Discomfort and sometimes pain when urinating • Abdominal pain • Back pain • General malaise; generally feeling unwell • Tenderness around the pelvic area Upper urinary tract infection (affects kidneys and/or ureters): • Fever, usually high (at least 38C or 100.4F) • Shivering • Vomiting • Nausea • Diarrhea • Pain on the side (flank), upper back or groin – this may become mor
