If you have certain bladder problems, you may be at risk for developing urinary tract infection. It is important that you recognize the different symptoms of an untreated UTI can be harmful to your bladder and kidneys.
Some symptoms are obvious signs of a UTI. But be aware of other symptoms, which are more subtle and therefore harder to recognize as UTI-symptoms.
Symptoms that may be related to UTI:
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine
- An urge to pass urine frequently
- Cloudy and strongly smelling urine (unrelated to foods that can cause urine odor)
- Blood in the urine (enough blood to make the urine the color of cranberry juice)
- Unexpected urine leakage
- Fever/sweating or chills
- Pain in the bladder (above pubic bone area)
- Pain in the kidney area (lower back area)
- Headache, nausea,
- More fatigued and just feeling poorly
- If you have a spinal cord injury, you may also experience increased episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) or increased spasms of the legs
- Confusion- especially in the older population.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed, you should consult your healthcare provider.
