Key takeaways

  • The symptoms of a bacterial infection will often depend on the infected body area. However, some common general symptoms include fever, fatigue, and pain.
  • Certain disease-causing bacteria can sometimes enter the body. Once inside, they may multiply and cause an infection that can result in a number of symptoms.
  • A doctor should evaluate any unusual symptoms. Most bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics.

Bacterial infections are common and can affect a wide variety of body areas. Though the different types of bacterial infections can share some common symptoms, other symptoms may be distinct.

A medical professional should evaluate any new, worsening, or persistent symptoms.

The symptoms of a bacterial infection typically depend on where in the body the infection occurs. However, some of the most common general symptoms of infection include:

  • fever
  • chills and sweating
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • new or sudden worsening of pain
  • unexplained exhaustion
  • headache
  • skin flushing, swelling, or soreness
  • gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as:

Bacterial infections can develop anywhere in the body, but they often occur near sites where bacteria can enter the body.

The following sections outline some of the most common bacterial infections in different parts of the body and the symptoms they can cause.

Though different species of bacteria can cause slightly different symptoms, most tend to cause one or more of the following:

  • pain and tenderness in the stomach
  • nausea and vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • frequent bowel movements
  • diarrhea that can be loose, watery, or bloody
  • feeling the need to go to the bathroom even when the bowel is empty
  • inflammation of the colon
  • fever

Common symptoms of upper respiratory infections include:

  • a runny or stuffy nose
  • postnasal drip, wherein mucus constantly drips down the back of the throat
  • headache
  • facial pain or pressure
  • a sore throat
  • a cough
  • bad breath

The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal passages and the sinuses, which are a network of hollow cavities inside the skull. Sometimes, the sinuses can become infected with bacteria or viruses.

The medical term for inflammation of the sinuses is sinusitis, which usually results from pathogens like viruses or bacteria.

The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways that lead from the trachea to the lungs), and the lungs. Pneumonia is a common lower respiratory infection that is often bacterial.

Some potential symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • a cough that may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply or coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • chills
  • unexplained exhaustion
  • nausea and vomiting, particularly in young children
  • confusion, particularly in older adults

Bacterial infections can occur in the inner, middle, or outer part of the ear. The symptoms of an ear infection usually come on quickly and may include:

  • pain or pressure inside the ear
  • a feeling of fullness inside the ear
  • drainage from the ear
  • itching and irritation in and around the ear
  • scaliness of the skin around the ear
  • partial hearing loss
  • fever
  • a lack of energy

The bacteria group A. Streptococcus can cause a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils (strep throat). Common symptoms of strep throat include:

  • a sore throat
  • pain when swallowing
  • tiny red dots along the roof of the mouth
  • discoloration and swelling of the tonsils
  • swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
  • fever

Though strep throat can affect anyone, it is more common in children ages 5 to 15 years.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection of the vagina that is common in people of reproductive age.

The symptoms of BV can include:

  • thin white or gray vaginal discharge
  • pain, itching, or burning inside the vagina
  • itching around the vagina
  • burning sensations when urinating
  • a strong, fishy-smelling odor, especially after sex

Various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can develop due to bacteria. Some common bacterial STIs include:

Though each STI causes slightly different symptoms, many can cause the following:

  • unusual genital discharge that may be:
    • foul-smelling
    • discolored
    • bloody
    • an unusual consistency
  • itchy skin around the genitals
  • pain during and after sex
  • pain or burning sensations while urinating
  • painful bowel movements
  • rectal pain or bleeding
  • vaginal bleeding not related to menstruation
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • fever

Most skin infections develop when bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin. These breaks may occur as a result of surgical incisions or injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Two common skin infections are cellulitis and impetigo.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common skin infection in which bacteria infect the deeper layers of the skin. It typically affects one of the limbs.

Some symptoms of cellulitis include:

  • flushed, swollen, and painful areas that are warm and tender
  • areas where the skin looks pitted or resembles an orange peel
  • blisters that may ooze or leak pus
  • delayed wound healing
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • fever and chills

Impetigo

Impetigo is another common bacterial skin infection that often occurs in children ages 2 to 5 years, but it can develop in anyone. It typically affects the face and hands but may also affect other parts of the body.

Impetigo causes flushed, itchy sores that leak clear fluid. Over the course of several days, the sores crust over to form honey colored scabs.

Other possible symptoms of impetigo include:

  • swelling of the lymph nodes
  • fever
  • malaise

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that develop somewhere within the urinary system. Though anyone can develop these infections, females are much more commonly affected.

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic area, and lower back
  • cloudy, foul-smelling urine
  • feeling the need to urinate more often than normal
  • feeling a strong urge to urinate but being unable to produce much urine
  • pain or burning sensations while urinating
  • a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying following urination
  • urine leakage

A UTI that affects the kidneys may cause additional symptoms, such as:

  • fever
  • nausea and vomiting
  • upper back pain, often on one side of the body

Meningitis is the medical term for inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that can result from a bacterial infection. It is a life threatening condition that requires urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms of meningitis can include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • a stiff neck
  • sensitivity to light
  • nausea and vomiting
  • confusion

Some possible symptoms of meningitis in infants and babies include:

  • inactivity or slowness
  • vomiting
  • feeding poorly
  • bulging in the soft spot of the skull
»Dive deeper:Bacterial meningitis

Any severe or untreated bacterial infection can trigger an exaggerated immune response called sepsis. This condition can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Some symptoms of sepsis include:

  • fever or chills
  • clammy, sweaty skin
  • an increased heart rate
  • shortness of breath
  • extreme pain and discomfort
  • confusion or disorientation
»Learn more:All about sepsis

Anyone who thinks they have a bacterial infection should talk with a doctor, especially if their symptoms persist or worsen.

Most bacterial infections resolve with prompt treatment and do not cause any further complications. However, untreated or improperly treated infections can become severe and may cause life threatening complications.

A person should seek prompt medical care if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • severe pain
  • pain during urination, bowel movements, or sex
  • unusual genital discharge
  • sores that are large, very painful, or oozing pus
  • atypical rashes
  • severe or chronic diarrhea
  • high fever and chills
  • an unusually fast or slow heart rate
  • severe breathing difficulties
  • cold hands and feet
  • blue or purple discoloration of the lips or extremities
  • confusion or disorientation
  • loss of consciousness

Certain groups are more likely to develop severe infections or complications. Populations who generally require more intensive care or monitoring include:

  • infants and young children
  • people ages 65 and older
  • people with weakened immune systems
  • people taking immunosuppressive treatments or medications
  • people who have recently had surgery or are still recovering from surgery

Most bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics. A doctor will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of the infection.

Bacterial infections can cause some general symptoms, such as pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. They may also cause some other symptoms depending on where in the body they occur.

Bacterial infections typically require treatment with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic a person receives will depend on the location and severity of the infection they have.

Untreated bacterial infections can cause severe or life threatening complications. If new, worsening, or persistent symptoms occur, talk with a doctor as soon as possible.