Urine consists of the excess water and waste products filtered out from the blood by the kidneys. The color of urine can range from pale yellow to dark amber, depending on the ratio of water to waste products. Pale yellow or clear urine are considered normal and healthy. Now, there are many causes for the change of urine color, and most of these reasons are harmless ones. But, sometimes, a change in urine color can signify an underlying health issue and could be one of the early warning signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Those suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) may notice cloudy urine with traces of blood. Some of the early warning signs of UTI can be noticed in the urine color and pattern. These signs or patterns when may signify an underlying problem in the urinary tract.

Painful urination
Also called Dysuria, painful urination is a classic sign that one may have a UTI. They may experience mild pain and a burning or sharp-stinging discomfort while urinating.

Sudden Urge to Urinate
Those suffering from a urinary tract infection may feel the need to urinate immediately. They will find themselves rushing to the restroom frequently and suddenly. This is one of the most common early warning signs of a urinary tract infection.

Strong Smell
Urine generally does not have a strong smell. Smelly urine can be due to dehydration, or eating or drinking something with a strong smell. If the urine continues to smell pungent, then there could be a health problem. A strong smell can also be due to urinary tract infections, and it is especially more common in women. It is one of the first early warning signs of an infection in the urinary tract. The strange odor in the urine is because of the bacteria present in it. The bacteria is what causes the infection.

Frequent Urination
Besides the urgency to urinate, one may find themselves going to the bathroom more often than before. It could be nearly 8 to 10 times a day and also waking up in the middle of the night to urinate. One may produce only a small amount of urine each time, but as there may be a swelling of the bladder muscles, they will have to empty the bladder more often due to discomfort caused by the swelling.

Cloudy Urine
A UTI can cause the urine to be cloudy as there may be a discharge of pus or blood into the urinary tract. It can also be because of the build-up of white blood cells as the body tries to excrete the bacteria through the urine.

If one notices any of the above symptoms in the urine color or the pattern of urination, they must be cautious as they are early warning signs of a urinary tract infection. One must consult their doctor immediately before the symptoms become very severe.