The urinary tract infection can occur in any part of the urinary system which includes the ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys. In a majority of the cases, the lower part of the urinary tract involving the bladder and the urethra is the most commonly affected region. Women are, in general, at a higher risk of the infection as compared to men, and this infection is one can cause a lot of discomfort along with a burning sensation while urinating. It is important to get the urinary tract infection under control with appropriate treatment because the infection can cause severe consequences, especially if it spreads to the kidneys. The first course of medication prescribed by doctors involves antibiotics, and there are also preventative measures that one can take to ensure that they are not at risk of urinary tract infection.

There are multiple symptoms of this condition one can be aware of to be able to seek medical attention in time. The following are commonly observed symptoms of a urinary tract infection:

• A persistent and strong urge to urinate frequently,
• Burning sensation when urinating,
• Small amounts of urine excretion at a time
• Cloudiness in urine
• Signs of blood in the urine due to colors that are red, cola colored, or bright pink streaks
• Strong smell in urine, mostly pungent in nature
• And in the case of women, there might be pelvic pain, especially around the pubic bone area.

In many cases, urinary tract infections are often overlooked due to an overlap of their symptoms with other conditions.

What is the main cause of urinary tract infection?
The infection is the result of bacteria entering into the urinary tract through the urethra and settling in the bladder. While the urinary system does have natural defenses to keep out any microscopic invaders, there are times when the system fails and bacteria leads to a full-blown infection. The two main areas of infection are the bladder, known as cystitis, and the urethra, known as urethritis.

Types of urinary tract infection
While there are generic signs and symptoms associated with this infection, based on the area of the urinary tract system affected, there will be a manifestation of other specific signs and symptoms as well.

When the infection involves the kidneys, the signs and symptoms will include pain in the upper back, and flank sides, high fever, nausea, chills and shaking, and vomiting. When the bladder is affected with the infection, then the resulting symptoms include pelvic pressure, frequent and painful urination, the presence of blood in the urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen including the lower back. When the urethra is affected, then the signs and symptoms will also include burning sensation when urinating, and the presence of discharge in the urine. You need to consult a doctor immediately when you suspect a urinary tract infection because it can worsen and cause other complications in the body.