Types of Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that invade the urinary epithelium cells, causing irritation and inflammation of these cells. The infection can start in the urethra and can progress its way up to the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. An infection of the urethra or bladder is known as a lower urinary tract infection.
A urinary tract infection usually causes one or more of the following symptoms: Unusually frequent urination, an intense urge to urinate, pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation during urination. Awakening from sleep to pass urine, pain, pressure, or tenderness in the area of the bladder (in the middle of the lower abdomen below the navel) are also common. Your urine might be cloudy, blood-tinged, and strong-smelling.
For 25% to 30% of women who’ve had a urinary tract infection, the infection returns within six months. If you have repeated UTIs, you’ve experienced the toll they take on your life. However, you may take some comfort in knowing that they aren’t likely to be the result of anything you’ve done.
Urinary symptoms — such as blood in the urine and burning with urination — could result from a UTI. Learn about UTI causes, treatments, and self-care from Harvard Health.
A UTI occurs in part of the urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Nearly all UTIs are bacterial, most frequently caused by Escherichia coli, which normally plays a vital role in keeping the digestive system healthy but can cause infection if it enters the urinary tract. Smaller numbers of UTIs may be caused by other bacteria.
UTIs can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. The most common places are the bladder (where urine is stored) and the urethra (the tube through which you urinate). Less common but more serious is infection of the kidneys, which filter waste and extra water from the blood and make urine. Infections may be triggered by sexual activity, catheters, or other factors.
Lower tract infections: These are also known as bladder infections (cystitis). Bacteria usually found in the intestine are the leading cause of lower urinary tract infections. These bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra and bladder, where they grow, invade the tissue, and cause infection.
Upper tract infections: These infections, which may be more serious, include pyelonephritis, where bacteria move up to the kidneys. This can cause a severe health issue if not treated promptly.
Learn more from U.OSU, Harvard Health, and the Mayo Clinic for further information.
