Early Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
While urinary tract infections are associated with several clear symptoms, there are other signs of the condition that are subtle. These signs can be difficult to pinpoint to having a UTI, but they can be potential indicators, nevertheless. Experiencing fever and sickness is a very degenerating feeling. But some illnesses like UTIs can be worse than others. Living with a UTI can be a debilitating experience since it can be aggravating and interferes with one’s daily life and messes up plans.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) early warning signs also include silent and surprising indicators that make them more troublesome and serious. The infection of the urinary tract system is caused by bacteria that enter the urethra from the rectal area. However, this can vary depending on the individual.
While foul-smelling urine, uncontrolled bladder are some conventional signs, there are other indicators like:
- Feeling very tired or shaky
- Feelings of constant fatigue
- Experiencing confusion in one’s daily activities that one is normally good at
- A prolonged feeling of nausea with frequent vomiting sessions in-between
- A frequent experience of agitation accompanied by nervousness
- Loss of appetite and a strong dislike for food that one normally enjoys having
- Lower back pain and side pains that seem like muscular pain
- Lethargic feeling with loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed
- A slightly trembling voice and similar body language
The aforementioned symptoms are very subtle and grow silently, often making it tough to declare them the results of UTI. The reason is, even if one is experiencing some of these symptoms, it cannot always be assumed to be UTI. But, these urinary tract infection (UTI) early warning signs can signal a urinary infection if one doesn’t see any other health concern.
Risk factors associated with urinary tract infection
While anyone can get bladder infections, women are more prone to getting them. One reason is that women have shorter urethras, encouraging the inflow of bacteria much easier than for men. Another factor is, women’s urethra is located very close to the anus, making it very easy for E Coli bacteria to travel into their vaginas. The following are the risk factors to note:
- Immobility
- Advanced age
- Lack of enough fluid intake
- Surgery within the urinary tract
- Urinary catheter
- Urinary obstruction is a blockage in the bladder or the urethra
- Narrow urethra
- Enlarged prostate in men
- Bowel incontinence
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- A weakened nervous system that affects bladder function
While most urinary tract infections can be annoying, they can also be life-threatening. Untreated UTIs spread fast and can enter the upper urinary tract that is more difficult to treat. It can spread into one’s blood and cause sepsis. It is critical to consult one’s doctor at the earliest and seek medical treatment before the disease advances into a life-threatening event.
Be aware of all urinary tract infection (UTI) early warning signs and keep a tab on any bodily changes one observes.