Signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain or burning during urination, urinary urgency, voiding at frequent intervals, blood in the urine, and sometimes sudden urine loss or new incontinence. Urine that looks or smells abnormal should also be reported to the nurse.

The text identifies urinary tract infections as a cause of dysuria, or painful or difficult urination, and burning on urination. It also lists hematuria, blood in the urine, as a possible sign. Urinary frequency and urinary urgency are associated with UTIs. In addition, a UTI can lead to urge incontinence or transient incontinence, meaning the person may suddenly lose urine or develop a new, temporary leak problem. Nurses should be told right away if a person complains of urgency, burning, or painful urination, and abnormal urine appearance or odor should be reported for evaluation.

Key points

Pain or burning during urination (dysuria) is a key symptom.
Blood in the urine (hematuria) can occur.
The person may feel a strong need to void (urgency) and void often.
A UTI can cause sudden urine loss or new incontinence.
Urine that looks or smells abnormal should be reported.

What are the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection?