The symptoms of UTI aren’t limited to frequent urination and pain when urinating. It could also lead to these sneaky and somewhat unusual conditions.
Because urinary tract infection (UTI) is such a common illness affecting millions of people worldwide, you’ve probably already heard about its troublesome symptoms. Or maybe you yourself have gone through these horror stories!
Common Symptoms of UTI
Pain when urinating or balisawsaw, frequent urination or , and discomfort in the lower back are some of the most common symptoms of UTI. Among the other clues are foul-smelling and cloudy urine. Sometimes, your pee could even be pinkish—an indication that you’re passing out blood.
If you experience any of these, it’s advisable to try out effective home remedies for UTI such as drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice. Of course, visiting a specialist immediately for a medical diagnosis is also a must.
Once a blood test has been conducted, the results will reveal an unusually high white blood cell count. That’s a sign your body’s trying to ward off an infection. Strains of Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria that cause this infection, may also be found during the urinalysis. Both of these are conclusive indications that you’re suffering from UTI.
Aside from these common signs, however, this infection could induce sneaky symptoms.
Here are some weird signs and symptoms of UTI.
1. NOT HAVING ANY SYMPTOMS AT ALL
Yes, it’s not all about the frequent trips to the bathroom!
Fact is, you could be suffering urinary infection and not even know it. This is according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The symptom-free phase of this illness typically occurs in the early stages, as bacteria begin to make their way into your urinary tract and breed. Eventually, however, the symptoms of UTI will be more noticeable if the infection is left untreated. Like all other illnesses, it’s advisable to treat your UTI as soon as you discover you have one.
2. FULLNESS IN THE RECTUM
Although UTI in men is less common than it is in women, the symptoms in men could be more uncomfortable. It’s been documented that some men have experienced a feeling of fullness in the rectum along with urinary tract infection. Sometimes, it could even lead to diarrhea!
It’s unclear why this happens, although there’s strong evidence that the anatomical structure of males could be the culprit.
3. PAIN EVEN WHEN NOT URINATING
While men get a sensation of fullness in the rectum, women on the other hand feel a constant pressure or discomfort in the abdomen. This could be directly related to changes in bladder activity.
4. BLOATING
When you’re bloated, you may automatically think something’s wrong with your digestion. However, evidence shows that bloating could point to a urinary infection. Healthline lists bloating as one of the symptoms of UTI.
The kidney’s impaired ability to filter out excess substances in the body may be one of the reasons behind this. However, the constant abdominal discomfort associated with UTI could also be influencing this symptom.
5. EXTREME IRRITABILITY AND OTHER BEHAVIORAL CHANGES
Surprisingly, UTI manifests in very unusual ways among the elderly. Plenty of cases of dementia, confusion, extreme irritability, and mood changes have been observed among older people with urinary tract infection. According to Amanda Smith, MD, medical director at Bryd Alzheimer’s Institute (University of South Florida), it’s unclear why and how this happens. However, the patients’ inability to communicate their needs clearly may be part of the reason.
6. JOINT PAINS
Although considered uncommon, UTI can present as unexplained joint pains . Usually involving the elbow .This phenomena is often referred to as reactive arthritis.
