Urinary Tract Infection, short for UTI, refers to a bacterial infection that can be in the lower or upper urinary tract. When the infection is limited to the urethra and bladder, it’s called a simple or uncomplicated UTI. A gynecologist in Airoli will prescribe an antibiotic course to treat a simple UTI.
If, however, it gets worse (whether due to an underlying disease or an untreated UTI), the problems might affect the kidneys and the entire body. Let’s discuss the symptoms of complicated UTIs and when medical attention is necessary.
Common Warning Signs of Complicated UTI
Here’s what people with a complicated UTI are likely to experience:
- Fever and Chills: A simple UTI doesn’t elevate your temperature. However, if the infection has spread to the upper urinary tract and bloodstream, you may develop a high-grade fever and chills. A raised temperature is your body’s way of telling that it’s working hard to deal with a widespread infection.
- Lower Back Pain: A constant dull ache that worsens when you move is another common sign of a complicated UTI, especially if it co-exists with painful urination and other UTI symptoms. See a urologist immediately if you experience pain on the sides or lower back, as this typically indicates a kidney infection.
- Malaise: Malaise refers to the general feeling of unwellness. Too much fatigue, sluggishness, or the feeling that something is off can indicate a more serious infection.
Less Common Symptoms
Sometimes, complicated UTIs can show vague symptoms. Here’s what else UTI patients report:
i) Frequent Trips to the Restroom:
The most notable sign of UTI is a frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Some people experience urgency without a proper urine flow. Although this symptom is also present in uncomplicated UTI cases, the urge to urinate and other urination issues get worse in advanced cases.
ii) Pain or Burning Sensation:
This is the key indicator of a UTI. The bacterial infection can lead to bladder and urethral inflammation. When you urinate, you may experience a sharp, shooting pain. Pain and stinging sensations during urination are common symptoms present in both complicated and uncomplicated UTIs. The best way to tell if it’s severe or uncomplicated is by the intensity of pain.
iii) Blood in the Urine:
If there is visible blood in the urine or it appears pink or brown, it may be a sign of hematuria. The blood is sometimes not visible to the naked eye but is often detected through urine analysis. Hematuria is a sign of a complicated UTI.
Treatment for Complicated UTI
Complicated UTIs require more extensive care and treatment that goes beyond the 2-3 day course of antibiotics. UTI treatment in Airoli, for complicated cases, focuses on identifying and working on the underlying cause.
For instance, if you develop a UTI due to kidney stones that block urine flow, you’ll be advised to get the stones removed. Typically, urologists use broad-spectrum antibiotics to target the bacteria that may have caused the infection. Although it’s treatable, a complicated UTI might require a hospital stay and intensive treatment.
