When you have a condition and experience certain unusual symptoms, it’s normal to wonder if the health condition is the cause. A UTI will probably not cause you to vomit. But that scenario is not impossible. If your UTI is linked to an infection of the kidneys, then you might feel nauseous.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system. This occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Parts of the urinary tract that can be infected include the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urinary tract infections can affect people of all ages and genders, but they are more common in women.
Health experts estimate that 60% of people with vaginas will experience at least one episode of UTI in their lifetime. People assigned male at birth, on the other hand, have a lower risk, with around 12% experiencing a UTI at some point in their lives, bringing it to the conclusion that more than 8.1 million people seek medical attention for UTIs every year.
This article answers the question of whether a urinary tract infection causes nausea and vomiting, what to do if you experience nausea with UTI, other symptoms associated with UTI based on the part affected, and home remedies to relieve nausea with UTI.
Whether or not a UTI will cause nausea and vomiting depends on the part of the urinary tract affected. As discussed earlier, the urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder.
If an infection spreads to the kidneys, it will develop into a kidney infection known as pyelonephritis (a more severe form of UTI). This type of urinary tract infection can cause more severe symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.
However, the symptoms of kidney infections are not the same for everyone of all ages. Children younger than 2 years old and who have a kidney infection may present with a high fever. While adults older than 65 with a kidney infection may have problems with thinking, such as confusion, hallucinations, or jumbled speech.
Kidney infections require immediate treatment as they can be serious and potentially life-threatening, and if left untreated, can cause complications like sepsis.
The exact reason why UTIs like kidney infections cause nausea or vomiting is not known, but the inflammation and irritation of the kidneys and other organs closer to it can make one feel nauseated.
In addition to nausea, a kidney infection may cause symptoms such as fever and upper back pain (usually on one side). It's important to note that, while nausea can occur with kidney infections, it is not a typical symptom of uncomplicated UTIs.
If you are experiencing nausea due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly a kidney infection, here are a few steps you can take to treat the symptom:
While home remedies may not directly treat a urinary tract infection (UTI), they can help alleviate the nausea associated with it. Here are a few home remedies that may provide relief:
Home remedies can provide temporary relief for UTI symptoms, but it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause of the nausea.
Here are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) grouped based on the part of the urinary tract affected:
Bladder infection (cystitis) symptoms:
Ureter infection (ureteritis) symptoms:
Urethra infection (urethritis) symptoms:
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting are not typical signs of UTI unless the infection affects one or both kidneys.
It's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone may experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect you have a UTI or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this article, see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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