Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection are different for every patient. In fact, some patients may develop a plethora of textbook urinary tract symptoms, while other patients display only vague signs. But the Mayo Clinic says that most patients develop at least one of the most common symptoms: hematuria (strong smelling urine), bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) and frequent urination with only a small amount of output. A burning feeling upon urination and the continuous need to urinate are also common signs of a urinary tract infection.
  
  

Causes

• The New York Times Health Guide reports that E. coli (Escherichia) bacteria has been found to cause approximately 75 percent to 90 percent of all recorded urinary tract infections. Bacteria such as staphylococcus saprophyticus, enterococci, klebsiella and proteus mirabilis are often responsible for the remaining cases. Many of these bacteria are naturally found in the intestines of the human body but if they invade the urinary tract, an infection can occur. Some urinary tract infections may also be caused by viruses or fungus.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Specific tests must be administered in order to diagnose a urinary tract infection. A urine sample, also known as a urinalysis, can help a physician determine whether the patient has a urinary tract infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, an ultrasound or an X-ray of the bladder and kidneys may also be warranted in order to confirm a definitive diagnosis.
  
  

Treatment

• Antibiotics are usually prescribed to help resolve a urinary tract infection along with a medication that numbs the burning. Some patients stop taking their medication when their symptoms go away, but FamilyDoctor.org stresses that it is important to take all prescribed medications as directed, which means taking the medication until it is completely finished.
  
  

Complications

• Urinary tract infections that are left untreated can lead to further complications. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that it is important for a urinary tract infection to be treated and corrected at the source in order to reduce the possibility that future infections will occur. Sometimes surgery is even required to prevent kidney damage that can result from chronic infection.