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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Not everyone with a urinary tract infection develops recognizable signs and symptoms, but most people have some.

In general, urinary tract infection signs and symptoms develop rapidly and can include:

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy, strong-smelling urine
  • Bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria)

Types of urinary tract infection
Each type of urinary tract infection may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected.

Part of urinary tract affectedSigns and symptoms
Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis)
  • Upper back and side (flank) pain
  • High fever
  • Shaking and chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
Bladder (cystitis)
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Lower abdomen discomfort
  • Frequent, painful urination
  • Low-grade fever
Urethra (urethritis)
  • Burning with urination

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June 27, 2008

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