Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Everyday Health
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Updated on June 24, 2025
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A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, take root anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. For many people — including the estimated 60 percent of women who experience a UTI in their lifetime — the infection can be uncomfortable and very painful. The thing is, not everyone with a UTI experiences the same symptoms.

Common UTI Symptoms and Signs

The urine of most healthy, properly hydrated people is light yellow or clear and nearly free of odor. It also causes no pain or discomfort to pass.

But for the majority of people with a urinary tract infection, that’s not the case. Instead, they will likely encounter at least one of the following symptoms:

  • A consistent and strong urge to urinate: When your bladder and urethra are inflamed, this mucks up the receptors that signal when you need to pee.
  • Pain or burning while urinating: Bacteria irritates the lining of the urinary tract, which then spurs inflammation that can cause an unpleasant sensation.
  • Passing only small amounts of urine at a time: UTIs can cause the urethra to swell, which hinders the amount of urine that’s passed.
  • Cloudy urine: Cloudiness can occur because your body’s white blood cells have built up while your system tries to eliminate the offending bacteria.

  • Strong-smelling urine: Bacteria can cause a fishy odor.
  • Red, pink, or cola-colored urine: This indicates the presence of blood.
  • Pelvic pain or pressure: This is felt in the center of the pelvis and can mimic the sensation of bloating.
  • Mucus- or pus-like urethral discharge: This UTI symptom is more common in men than women. It indicates that your bladder and urethra’s natural mucus is attempting to clear the body of germs.

  • Incontinence: Lack of bladder control is particularly apparent in the elderly.

When the kidneys are infected, other noticeable symptoms may include:

  • Fever, shaking, and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Upper back, side, or groin pain
It’s been long noted that UTIs can cause confusion in elderly people, particularly those who already have a form of dementia or cognitive decline. However, unless you have other symptoms, confusion alone is not generally considered a sign that you have a UTI.

Medical Illustration of How a UTI Affects the Body, Man centered, surrounded by symptoms including chills, back or side pain, frequent urination, burning while urinating, passing less urine, cloudy or discolored urine, pelvic pain, nausea of vomiting
Urinary tract infections can cause multiple symptoms throughout the body.Everyday Health

UTI Signs and Symptoms in Children Are Different

UTIs are relatively common in children. Unfortunately, early symptoms of a UTI in very young children are not always apparent. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and sometimes the child is simply unable to articulate the symptoms they are experiencing. When it comes to babies and toddlers under 2 years old, parents need to tune in to these signs of a urinary tract infection:

  • Fever (the most common symptom in those under 2, and sometimes the only one)
  • Fussiness
  • Poor feeding or failure to thrive
  • Sluggishness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Crying while urinating
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Jaundice

Meanwhile, older children generally have similar symptoms to adults, including urgency, cloudy urine, and pain during urination. For children who are already toilet-trained, bed-wetting is also a sign of a UTI.

Can Food or Drink Worsen Symptoms of a UTI?

Yes. You may experience a flare of your UTI symptoms after drinking alcohol or coffee or consuming other well-known bladder irritants. Here are some items you should avoid until your UTI is cleared up:

  • Caffeinated drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Acidic fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes
  • Tomatoes
  • Spicy foods

Are UTI Symptoms Always an Indicator of a UTI?

No. If you have symptoms of a UTI but tests don’t show any infection, your doctor may investigate other possibilities, including:

The Takeaway

  • Urinary tract infections are caused by harmful bacteria entering the urinary tract. They are common, especially among women.
  • Symptoms vary and can include a constant urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, and strong-smelling urine.
  • UTI symptoms don’t always present the same way in children, but if your child has a fever or pain during urination, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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