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UTI Symptoms in Children
Children with UTIs have many of the same symptoms as adults, but they can’t often describe what hurts. Parents should be alert for these UTI symptoms [9]:
- Crying or distress when urinating
- Foul-smelling diapers
- Bedwetting
- Lethargy and weak limbs in infants younger than two months
UTI Symptoms vs STD Symptoms
UTIs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often have similar symptoms, so it’s not always easy to tell the differences between them.
For instance, many people confuse chlamydia vs UTI symptoms. Both types of infection can cause painful urination and discomfort during sex. However, chlamydia is often associated with penile and vaginal discharge, while discharge UTI symptoms are less common [10].
An at-home urinary test kit can help determine if you have a UTI or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you have UTI symptoms but negative test, you should see a doctor for a complete STI screening.
Infections That Mimic UTIs
Several infections present symptoms similar to UTIs but aren’t detectable through a urine test. If you have UTI symptoms with negative culture, one of these conditions may be the underlying cause.
COVID and UTI symptoms can overlap. Both infections can lead to increased frequency and urgency in urination, especially at night. People affected by either condition may also experience dysuria, which refers to pain or itching during urination. However, COVID is also associated with respiratory symptoms like congestion and cough [11].
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another condition frequently mistaken for a UTI. Similar to a urinary infection, BV can cause burning when urinating and vaginal irritation. However, BV vs UTI symptoms have one key difference: BV often causes milky white or gray vaginal discharge with a distinct fishy odor, whereas UTIs don’t have a noticeable smell [12]. You can use an at-home vaginal pH test kit like Vaginox to detect BV.
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Other Factors That May Affect UTIs
Numerous environmental factors can exacerbate UTI symptoms or cause similar signs, including:
- Dehydration: A systematic review of medical studies suggests that there may be a link between dehydration and UTI symptoms. Drinking over one liter of water daily could alleviate symptoms and decrease your risk of recurrent UTIs [13].
- Sexual intercourse: Sexual activity can push bacteria from the outside of the genitals into the opening of the urethra. Women have shorter urethras than men, so they’re more likely to develop UTI symptoms after sex. Urinating soon after sex can help clear out harmful bacteria before an infection develops [14].
- Alcohol consumption: Have you noticed urinary issues after enjoying a glass of beer or wine? These beverages can irritate the bladder, potentially triggering UTI symptoms after drinking alcohol [15].
Monitor Your Urinary Health 24/7
People experience a wide range of UTI symptoms, including bloating, painful urination, delirium, and more. This diverse array of signs can make it challenging to pinpoint the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment.
Assess your urinary health at home with Diagnox’s UTI or Urinox-10 test strips. These convenient test kits provide fast results and can give you peace of mind about your well-being.
