How to Identify a Urinary Tract Infection

Urine normally contains various fluids, wastes and salts. However, when bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus get in the urinary tract, most commonly in the bladder or kidneys, an infection can result. This condition is known as a urinary tract infection and can cause pain and discomfort. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, there are several identifying symptoms to look for and diagnostic tests to use. 

Symptoms to look for:

• Pay attention if you are having a painful time urinating. It might just hurt to do so or you may experience a burning sensation. This is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection.


• Keep track of how often you urinate or if it continually feels as if you have to urinate, even when the bladder is empty. 


• Examine your urine to see if it looks different from how it normally looks. The bacteria producing the infection can cause the urine to appear cloudy. Lower urinary tract infections can also cause blood in the urine. 


• Smell your urine if possible. It may have a strong or foul-smelling odor because of the infection.


• Assess other symptoms you may be experiencing such as abdominal, flank, back or groin pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These may be associated with the infection. Children may experience diarrhea and unexplained crying while the elderly may have a change in their mental health or exhibit confusion. 

Diagnostic tools:

• Study all of the symptoms together. Many times a diagnosis can be made merely by examining the facts. 


• Complete a urinalysis, looking for urinary nitrites, leukocytes or leukocyte esterase. 


• Inspect the urine microscopically to determine if red blood cells, white blood cells or bacteria are present in the urine.