What is Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, i.e. kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It commonly occurs due to the entry of bacteria from the skin, rectum, vagina into the urethra. The infection usually remains confined to the bladder (cystitis) but can spread towards the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and cause severe complications and pain.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection does not pose any prominent signs and symptoms but when it is usually accompanied by:
- Strong urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine appearance
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Blood-tinged urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women
- Passing small amounts of urine in several sittings