Urinary Tract Infection, also called UTI, is the general name given to an infection anywhere along the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidney. If the infection occurs within the urethra it is termed Urethritis; within the bladder, Cystitis; and within the kidneys, Pyelonephritis.

Symptoms

UTI is a common disorder. Its symptoms include:

Pain or burning when urinating
Fever, tiredness or shakiness
An urge to urinate often
Pressure in the lower belly
Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish
Pain in the back or side below the ribs

About four times as many women get UTIs as men. Diabetes, use of a bladder drainage tube and spinal cord injury can increase the risk for UTI.

Diagnosis

Urinalysis is the most common test for a Urinary Tract Infection. Urine is examined for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria and chemicals, such as nitrites.

Additional testing may include imaging such as ultrasound or CT.