Symptoms of Upper Urinary Tract Infection
An upper urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as pyelonephritis, is a type of bacterial infection affecting the kidneys. The primary symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain during urination.
- Persistent and urgent need to urinate.
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Infection
Lower urinary tract infections encompass conditions such as cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis in men. The symptoms associated with each type can be outlined as follows:
Cystitis
Cystitis, primarily caused by a bacterial infection, can also occur less frequently due to radiation therapy, certain medications, or as a complication of other medical conditions. Irritants, such as prolonged catheter use, spermicidal jellies, or specific feminine hygiene sprays, may also contribute to its development. Significant symptoms include:
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Continuous and urgent need to urinate.
- Frequent urination in small amounts.
- Foul-smelling and cloudy urine.
- Presence of blood in the urine.
- Mild fever.
- Discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Pressure in the lower abdomen.
Urethritis
Urethritis is characterized as inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. The key symptoms include:
- Pain during urination, which is considered the primary symptom.
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Consistent urgency to urinate.
- Itching, pain, and overall discomfort.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Discharge from the urethra or vagina.
- Blood in semen or urine in men.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis involves inflammation of the prostate gland, located between the penis and bladder in men, responsible for producing fluid that combines with sperm to form semen. This condition typically affects men aged between thirty and fifty. The primary symptoms include:
- Pain in the testicles, penis, anal area, lower back, or lower abdomen.
- Persistent urgency to urinate, especially at night, along with difficulties starting or stopping urination, often accompanied by pain.
- Acute prostatitis: Symptoms manifest suddenly and are more severe; this rare condition requires immediate medical intervention. Symptoms include:
- Pain during bowel movements.
- Occasional presence of blood in urine.
- Acute urinary retention, characterized by an inability to urinate and accumulation of urine in the bladder, necessitating emergency treatment.
- Thick, small amounts of discharge from the penis.
- General fatigue and pain, potentially accompanied by fever.
- Chronic prostatitis: This more common type features fluctuating symptoms over months, which may include:
- Enlarged prostate or tenderness upon examination during a rectal exam, although this can occasionally be normal.
- Sexual issues such as pain during ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or pelvic pain after intercourse.