Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is a common problem, especially among women. The condition causes a burning pain and itchiness, especially when urinating. It needs immediate medical attention because if neglected it can lead to complications in the kidneys. Read on to know about the early warning signs of UTI so as to diagnose the condition in time.

1. Cloudy or bloody urine
One of the early warning signs of UTI is that your urine might be cloudy and darker than usual. Dark urine can also be due to dehydration, but when it is accompanied by pelvic pain, it is a sign of UTI. Bloody urine, especially, warrants immediate attention by a doctor.

2. Frequent need to urinate
UTI will make you feel like urinating frequently. You could even feel the urge to urinate a few minutes after going to the washroom. This is due to inflammation in the bladder and urethra that exerts pressure on the receptors that signal that you need to pee. So, if you feel the urge to urinate more often drastically, it could be a sign of a UTI.

3. Small amounts of urine
Even with the constant urge to pee, you might urinate only a small amount each time. The inflammation caused by the infection could result in the swelling and narrowing of the urethra, which is the opening for the urine to pass. This will make you feel you are unable to empty your bladder despite having a full bladder.

4. Pain or burning sensation while urinating
One of the early warning signs of UTI is pain or a burning sensation when urinating. UTI causes the tissues to become inflamed and when urine passes through these, you will experience an uncomfortable and painful sensation.

5. Pain in the back or lower abdomen
Inflammation of the bladder can result in pain in the back or lower abdomen. It is also one of the early warning signs of UTI. Frequent dull aches or cramps require medication prescribed by a doctor. Delayed treatment can cause the infection to spread to the kidneys.

6. Loss of bladder control
A UTI might make you lose control over your bladder. The urge to pee is so strong that you may feel like you are going to pee before you reach the washroom, which can, over time, cause embarrassment and mental trauma.

7. Foul-smelling urine
UTI can cause urine to have a strong smell due to the presence of bacteria. The urine of most people is odorless or has a slight smell of ammonia. If the urine has a bad odor and is cloudy in appearance, it is a sign of the disease.

8. Fatigue
A UTI can leave you tired and weak. As the body is fighting off the infection, you will feel extreme and constant fatigue. If you are tired all the time with no plausible reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Not everyone will experience all of the early warning signs of UTI. However, it is important to seek medical attention at the first signs of the condition. This will provide a better chance of fighting off the infection at the earliest and prevent it from spreading to the kidneys.