A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and ureter. There are various types of UTI, depending on the part of the urinary tract that is affected by the infection. The infection tends to start from the bladder and gradually progresses to the kidneys. Here are some early warning signs of UTI it is crucial to be aware of.

• Discomfort during urination
  A UTI infection may cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating. This pain can increase if not treated on time. Visit a doctor at the earliest if you experience this symptom to keep it from worsening. This is one of the common early warning signs of UTI.
• Backaches
  Another early symptom of a UTI is a pain in the pelvic region and back. This symptom can be easily overlooked by individuals, as back pain is a common health issue for many. However, it is vital to take note of it and not dismiss it as a minor issue. Backaches or pain in the abdomen starts with a sharp pain once in a while moving or stretching. This can progress to becoming constant if the UTI is not addressed.
• Increase in the urge to pass urine
  This is one of the early warning signs of UTI that cannot be missed as this can get annoying, as well as embarrassing. Individuals with a UTI will notice that the frequency of wanting to urinate increases considerably, increasing their trips to the toilet. This urge will be persistent enough for one to not be able to ignore it. Some individuals may also feel less in control of their bladder. They might feel like they’re about to pee their pants, resulting in them rushing to the washroom several times a day. This, however, should not be controlled by reduced consumption of fluids as dehydration can further worsen the UTI.
• Changes in the quantity of urine
  A UTI causes the frequent urge to urinate but individuals may not get a sense of relief. This is because the amounts of urine the individual can pass in one go reduces due to the infection. This makes it very important for patients with UTI to remain hydrated.
• Changes in the urine’s appearance
  In the early stages of UTI, one may notice a change in the color of the urine, characterized by cloudiness or a dark color, even pink or bloody in some cases. While this is also a sign of dehydration, if the changes in the urine’s color are accompanied by other symptoms of UTI, it may be ideal to get checked for an infection. Some people with a UTI may also experience a strong foul and unusual smell when they urinate. This is also a symptom that appears very early, allowing for your doctor to diagnose the problem and treat it before the inconvenient and painful symptoms start showing.