Bladder Infection and Urinary Tract Infection

Your urinary tract consists of your urethra, your bladder, your ureters, and your kidneys. Your urethra and ureters are the connecting tubes. A urinary tract infection can occur in any part or part, although it more commonly occurs in the lower tract, the urethra, and bladder (urethritis or cystitis), and is more serious in the kidneys. A lower urinary tract infection runs the risk of spreading to the upper tract if it is not treated.

What are urinary Tract and Bladder Infection Symptoms?

• Desire to Urinate frequently, regardless of if there's urine coming out
• A burning sensation or more severe pain
• Bladder Spasms
• A Change in Urine, such as cloudiness, blood, or a bad smell
• Fever

Complications, such as a Kidney Infection, may include the following symptoms:

• An increase in any of the above symptoms (for example, a high fever)
• Pain in the abdomen or in the lower back where your kidneys are located, just above the waist.

Women are more likely to get a bladder infection because their genitalia are closer together and their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. The majority (90%) of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. Coli) from feces.