Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. While UTIs can affect both men and women, they are more prevalent in women.
Symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the part of the urinary tract affected. Some of the most common warning signs include:
*Frequent urination:** This is one of the most common symptoms of a UTI. You may feel the need to urinate more often than usual, even if you don't have a full bladder.
*Pain or burning during urination:** Urinating can be painful or burning if you have a UTI. This is because the bacteria in your urine can irritate the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
*Cloudy or foul-smelling urine:** If your urine is cloudy or foul-smelling, it may be a sign of a UTI. This is because the bacteria in your urine can cause it to become cloudy and/or give it a strong odor.
*Pelvic pain:** If the infection has spread to the bladder, you may experience pelvic pain. This pain can be worse when you urinate.
*Flank pain:** If the infection has spread to the kidneys, you may experience flank pain. This pain is usually located in the back, just below the ribs.
*Fever:** A fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. If you have a fever along with other symptoms of a UTI, it's important to see a doctor right away.
If you experience any of these warning signs, it's important to see a doctor right away. UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications.
In addition to the above symptoms, there are some other signs that you may have a UTI. These include:
*Feeling tired or run down:** UTIs can make you feel tired or run down. This is because your body is fighting an infection.
*Loss of appetite:** UTIs can cause you to lose your appetite. This is because the bacteria in your urine can make you feel nauseous.
*Chills:** Chills are a sign that your body is fighting an infection. If you have chills along with other symptoms of a UTI, it's important to see a doctor right away.
If you think you may have a UTI, it's important to see a doctor right away. UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications.
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