Urinary Tract Infection (UT) is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract and mostly affect the bladder and urethra. Besides, women face a higher risk of developing a UTI as compared to men. To prevent and effectively manage a UTI at the earliest, an understanding of the early warning signs of the condition is important. These signs may include pain in the lower abdomen, a burning sensation while urinating, accompanied by mild fever.

A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection, and it may also be caused due to factors like poor personal hygiene, blockage of the flow of urine, kidney issues, and pregnancy. Let’s look at some of the early warning signs of UTI that you need to keep an eye out for:

• Cloudy and smelly urine
  The first noticeable signs of a UTI are the discharge of cloudy urine that has a slight smell of ammonia; this indicates an infection or the presence of urinary stones. It is best to consult a doctor as soon as this symptom manifests to ensure timely treatment. Frequent urination is another sign that accompanies cloudy urine.
• Inflammation of the urethra
  The early warning signs of a UTI depend on the severity of the infection. A UTI causes inflammation of the urethra, a tube that connects the bladder to the external body, and this results in a sensation of wanting to urinate more frequently. As the inflammation worsens, it narrows the opening and obstructs the flow of urine. As a result, one can pass urine in small amounts but might feel the need to urinate more frequently and urgently. The frequent trips to the washroom can also be painful and frustrating.
• A burning sensation while urinating
  Another early warning sign of a UTI is caused by the worsening of the inflammation of the tissue, which leads to a burning and tingling sensation while urinating. One can help alleviate this symptom by increasing their intake of water, but consulting a doctor is important to ensure effective medical treatment of the infection.
• Lower-abdominal pain and cramps
  Lower abdominal pain is another early warning sign of a UTI, and it may also be accompanied by cramps. Adequate intake of water can help improve this symptom as water flushes out toxins from the body. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor and ensure treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.
• Less control over the bladder
  One may also be incapable of controlling the urge to urinate, which is a result of the inflammation of the bladder. This may lead to embarrassing situations, but the bigger concern is to stop the infection from spreading and affecting the kidneys.

The symptoms can be eased through hot water therapy on the lower abdomen, drinking lots of water, and avoiding caffeinated drinks. Antibiotics are also used to treat UTIs and their early warning signs.