Which are common clinical signs and symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection in adults?

• A. Dysuria, frequency, urgency, nocturia, suprapubic discomfort, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever.
• B. Nausea and vomiting.
• C. Chest pain and shortness of breath.
• D. Jaundice and abdominal distension.

Answer: (A)

Lower urinary tract infections in adults mainly cause bladder-focused symptoms. The most typical signs are painful urination (dysuria), a higher frequency of urinating, a sudden urge to urinate, and waking at night to urinate (nocturia). Many people also feel discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen or suprapubic area. Urine changes are common too, such as it appearing cloudy or smelling unusually foul. Fever can occur, especially if the infection is more advanced or in older adults, but the hallmark is the set of bladder-specific symptoms rather than systemic illness.

Nausea and vomiting aren’t typical features of a straightforward lower UTI, and chest pain with shortness of breath or jaundice with abdominal distension point to other organ systems and conditions, not a lower urinary tract infection.