A UTI often starts with symptoms that may seem minor but deserve attention.
Dr Chhabra said, “Some of the symptoms associated with UTIs include painful urination, increased urge to pass urine, clouded or foul-smelling urine, abdominal pains, and blood in urine at times.”
Many people dismiss these signs and hope they will disappear on their own. Unfortunately, infections can worsen quickly. When the kidneys become involved, symptoms become more severe.
“Fever, chills, back and side pain, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue are among the symptoms of kidney infections,” said Dr Chhabra.
Pain in the back or sides, especially when accompanied by fever, should never be ignored. These could be signs that the infection has already spread beyond the bladder.
Why diabetics and people with high blood pressure should be extra careful
Certain groups are at greater risk of complications from UTIs. People living with diabetes often have weakened immune responses and may be more vulnerable to infections. Similarly, those with high blood pressure already have kidneys that may be under stress.
Dr Chhabra adviseed, “Diabetics and hypertensive people need to manage their diseases to reduce the risk of kidney disease.”
According to the Government of India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), diabetes and hypertension remain two of the biggest causes of chronic kidney disease in the country. When repeated infections are added to existing health conditions, the burden on the kidneys can become even greater.
Another concern is self-medication. Many people start taking antibiotics or painkillers without consulting a doctor.
Dr Chhabra cautioned that “The unnecessary use of painkillers needs to be avoided, and patients must follow the prescription given by doctors regarding antibiotic use.”
Improper use of medicines can delay diagnosis and sometimes even worsen kidney function.