7 Hidden UTI Symptoms and How to Prevent It?

What is Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting any part of your urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

About 80- 90% of UTIs are caused by bacteria, E. coli (Escherichia coli) being the most common culprit.

Urinary tract infections can affect anyone, but women are more prone to it. Why? Women have a shorter urethra (3- 4 cm) compared to men (18- 20 cm), which makes it easier for microbes to reach the bladder and cause infections.

UTIs are of two types –

1. Uncomplicated UTIs: 
This refers to UTIs affecting individuals who are otherwise healthy. These infections are differentiated into upper UTIs (pyelonephritis or the infection of the kidneys) and lower UTIs (infection of the bladder or urethra)

2. Complicated UTIs: 
These are associated with urinary complications like obstruction to the flow of urine, urinary retention, and foreign bodies, such as a kidney stone or indwelling catheters.

Causes of UTIs

What is the major cause of a urinary tract infection? Your body is designed to fight off harmful microbes, but sometimes, this defence mechanism fails. Harmful bacteria may enter your body and proliferate, leading to a full-blown UTI.

Microorganisms – mostly the bacteria E. coli is responsible for urinary infections. Typically, they enter your body through the urethra and cause infection in the bladder. However, the infection may also spread upwards into your ureters and kidneys, which is more serious.

Who is at a greater risk for UTIs?

• Women, because of their anatomy, have their urethra closer to the anus, which allows bacteria from the anal region to reach the bladder easily.
• Being sexually active also increases the risk of UTIs.
• After menopause, the hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels, cause pH imbalances in the vagina and surrounding areas, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause changes in urine flow, increasing the risk of UTIs.
• Not drinking sufficient quantities of water can lead to concentrated urine in the bladder, where bacteria can thrive and cause infections.
• Poor hygiene practices, like not changing your underwear frequently, improper wiping after using the toilet, or using harsh soaps and douches in the genital area, can increase the chances of getting a UTI.
• A weakened immune system, conditions like diabetes, treatments like chemotherapy, or long-term use of catheters can also increase the risk of developing UTIs.

Unusual UTI Symptoms You Need to Know

You must be familiar with the common symptoms;

• The all-time urge to urinate.
• Burning sensation during urination.
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently.
• Cloudy, dark, strong-smelling urine.
• Blood in urine.
• Fever and Chills.

But, as we are here to know, these symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg.

Yes, you heard it right! 

UTI symptoms come in different forms; some will even surprise you. Not recognising them can lead to delayed treatment and increased discomfort.

1. Unending Tiredness

Though this is not an instantly recognisable symptom, it grows slowly. Fatigue comes from the work your body is putting into fighting the infection. 

Any infection in the body triggers your immune system to fight off the invading bacteria. This fight needs a lot of energy, which makes you feel drained. 

If your UTI increases, further ascending to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), then the body's energy consumption increases further on. 

2. Sleep Issues

Even though UTI can hardly have a direct impact on insomnia, repeated waking up for frequent urination, abdominal pain, and burning sensation can keep you awake. Some studies say that UTI also influences sleep hormones, causing insomnia. This may also come from anxiety and stress related to UTI.

3. Headaches and Dizziness

These symptoms also need our attention when it comes to UTIs. 

When your body starts its immune response to fight a bacterial infection, the energy demand in the body may tire you, giving you a headache. With an infection, the inflammatory markers are triggered, releasing some chemicals that stimulate the pain pathway in the body.  Additionally, one of the common causes of UTIs is dehydration. This can also lead to dizziness and headaches.

4. Blood Pressure Changes

If you see changes in your blood pressure with UTI symptoms, immediate attention is required. This symptom can mean either of two things: the body is under severe dehydration, or the infection has spread to your nephrons (urine filtration system inside your kidneys). The change in water to electrolyte balance in your kidney can lead to blood pressure changes.

5. Confusion and Disorientation

When you have a severe infection with dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, it affects your brain function. Usually, the elderly face this. When UTIs are not treated promptly, they can lead to severe infections that can spread all over the body.

6. Seizures

With severe untreated infections, your brain coverings can get infected. This condition is called meningitis. If you or your loved ones experience seizures with UTI, then think that uncontrolled infection spread to the brain can be a cause.

7. Back Pain

UTI usually comes with severe abdominal pain and cramps. But, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, or the UTI itself has occurred from the presence of stones in the kidneys, you may feel a painful ache in the back. Chronic UTI back pain can also feel like radiating to the insides of your legs.

So, it is important to recognise the early symptoms of UTI before the complications give you the symptoms. Some of the complications you do not want are;

• Kidney issues and functional damage
• Sepsis (Infection entering the bloodstream)
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Hypertension
• Infertility
• Papillary Necrosis (Kidney tissue death)

So, find the best ways to cope with early UTI signs and symptoms by connecting with the best experts.

UTIs in Older Adults: Overlooked Causes & Symptoms

It is important that you recognise the early symptoms of UTI in the elderly population. They are highly susceptible to infections for many reasons, such as;

• Decreased immune health
• Inability to carry out hygienic routines themselves
• Health conditions that do not allow them to attend to their natural urges
• In severe cases of UTI in the elderly, the symptoms can be seen as;
• Increased confusion or delirium, which you may mistake as an age-related change.
• Dizziness that does not stop from going away.
• Blood pressure changes, which again increases the dizziness.
• Weakness in legs and decreased mobility.

The symptoms of UTI pose a challenge in the elderly due to the overlap of different health conditions, especially in those who are under the nursing of caretakers. 

The Dangerous Symptoms of  UTI and Sepsis

Sepsis is a severe kind of infection that has entered your bloodstream and can spread throughout the body. It is life-threatening. Never fail to miss these symptoms in anyone you know or are taking care of. 

• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid breathing
• Heart palpitations

How to Prevent UTIs?

Are you experiencing any of these unusual symptoms along with UTIs? If these keep returning, here’s how you can take control – these expert-recommended tips can help you prevent UTIs and their symptoms:

Diet and Hydration:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your urine dilute and flush out bacteria.
• Include cooling foods like cucumber, barley, coconut water, and cranberry products to reduce the risk of UTIs.
• Limit the intake of coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, artificial sweeteners, tomato-based products, and spicy foods.

Hygiene Practices:

• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to prevent harmful bacteria from the anal region from spreading to your genital area.
• Use not-too-tight cotton underwear. Natural fabrics can absorb sweat better and prevent the buildup of moisture, which creates a suitable environment for harmful microbes to thrive.
• Avoid using harsh soaps, scented products, or douches, as they may cause irritation and lead to infections.
• Change tampons or sanitary pads frequently, and avoid using them for long hours as it increases the risk of infections.

Improving Immunity:

• Include wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt to improve your gut and urinary flora.
• Include herbs with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric, ginger, and gooseberry to boost your immunity.
• Manage stress, as long-standing stress can contribute to poor immune functions and increased risk of infections.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Urinate after sexual activity. This helps flush out any microbes that have entered the urethra during this time.
   
• Avoid holding urine for long periods as it may allow harmful bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to UTIs. Respond to your body’s urges and empty your bladder regularly.

Explore natural methods to manage UTI and constipation and take control of your health with simple, effective solutions!

When to See a Doctor?

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections. The majority of UTIs are simple infections of your bladder that can be effectively treated using medications. However, untreated infections can lead to complications, affecting your kidneys and other organs of the body. 
 

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• High fever or chills.
• Severe pain and burning sensation while urinating.
• Pain in your lower back or sides.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Cloudy or bloody urine.
• Dizziness or confusion.
• Seizures.
• Recurrent symptoms that return soon after stopping the treatment.

People with underlying health conditions like kidney disease, a weak immune system, and pregnant women should seek medical care for UTIs, as leaving them untreated can cause complications.

To Conclude

The lesser-known symptoms of urinary tract infections may pose a danger if you fail to recognise urinary infections as the root cause. That is why you must make sure to talk to an experienced medical professional who can suggest the right way to deal with the treatment. Do not take chances even when you face just mild symptoms of UTI. Take action for your protection!