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Urinary tract infection - adults - Symptom

Alternative Names

Bladder infection - adults; UTI - adults

Symptoms:

The symptoms of a bladder infection include:

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may include:

  • Chills and shaking
  • Fatigue
  • Fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which lasts for more than 2 days
  • Flank (side) pain
  • Flushed, warm, or reddened skin
  • General ill feeling
  • Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, these symptoms often are the only signs of an UTI)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain (sometimes)

For more information see: Pyelonephritis

Signs and tests:

A urine sample is usually collected. Urinalysis commonly shows white blood cells, red blood cells, and nitrates in the urine.

See also: RBC - urine

Special urine tests (urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen) may be done to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/2/2008
  • Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for medical management of first urinary tract infection in children 12 years of age or less. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Nov. 23 p.

Lin K, Fajardo K; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults: evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Jul 1;149(1):W20-4.

Norrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap.306

Foster RT Sr. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008 Jun;35(2):235-48, viii.

Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD003237.

Nicolle LE. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in adults including uncomplicated pyelonephritis. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2008 Feb:35(1).

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