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Feb 22, 2024 · They are primarily caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and a host of symptoms, including a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Interestingly, UTIs may also lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort, a symptom not as widely recognized.
- Overview
- Can a UTI cause bloating?
- Can UTIs lead to weight gain?
- Other symptoms of UTIs
- Treatment for UTI
- Diagnosing a UTI
- Preventing a UTI
- When to contact a doctor
- Other causes of bloating and frequent urination
- Summary
Although not a typical symptom, a person with a urinary tract infection (UTI) may experience bloating, particularly with returning UTIs. An imbalance in gut microbiota may also lead to UTIs and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
A UTI occurs when bacteria infect the urinary system. UTIs can cause pain, discomfort, and urinary problems.
This article looks at whether UTIs can cause bloating, trapped gas, and weight gain. It also looks at other symptoms of UTIs and the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of the infection.
Finally, it discusses when to speak with a doctor and what else may cause bloating and frequent urination.
UTIs can be either complicated or uncomplicated. The NIDDK does not list bloating as a typical symptom of an uncomplicated UTI. However, a person may experience bloating due to:
•The body’s immune response to the infection: Inflammation is a part of the body’s immune response to an infection, such as a UTI. Inflammation of the bladder, urinary tract, and surrounding organs may result in an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, pain, and pressure.
UTIs do not typically lead to weight gain.
One 2015 study involving pregnant people found no significant association between UTIs and weight gain during pregnancy.
However, if a person experiences bloating during a UTI due to inflammation or GI issues, they may feel as if they have gained weight due to distention in the belly. Clothing may feel tighter around the abdomen, and the area may appear enlarged and swollen.
Although UTIs may not cause weight gain, the imbalance in gut bacteria that contributes to UTIs may affect a person’s weight. Gut bacteria have an effect on how the body digests food and can influence when a person feels full.
Other symptoms of UTIs include:
•a frequent urge to urinate
•a sudden or urgent need to urinate
•the need to urinate more often than usual during the night
•a burning or painful sensation during urination
•cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
Treatment for a UTI typically involves a course of antibiotics and an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication if necessary.
For someone who has returning UTIs, a doctor may prescribe a long-term, low dose course of antibiotics.
They may also suggest drinking more hydrating fluids and taking supplements like cranberry supplements and D-mannose, a type of sugar present in various fruits and vegetables.
Doctors may also prescribe estrogen vaginal cream to postmenopausal people.
A doctor will usually diagnose a UTI by asking questions about a person’s symptoms and performing a urine test.
They may also culture the urine. If a person has UTIs that return, a doctor may also use diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound.
Various ways can help a person reduce the chance of developing a UTI. These include:
•urinating after sexual intercourse
•cleaning the genital area before and after sexual intercourse
•emptying the bladder fully during urination
•drinking 6–8 glasses of hydrating liquid daily
•wearing loose-fitting clothing to help keep the genital area dry
Without treatment, a UTI can result in a severe kidney infection.
It is a good idea for a person to speak with a doctor if they have symptoms of a UTI to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to the kidneys.
Individuals should urgently get medical attention if they have symptoms of a UTI and experience:
•nausea
•vomiting
•fever
Many potential causes of bloating and frequent urination exist. These include:
•diabetes
•kidney stones
•kidney infection
•pregnancy
•anxiety
Some people with UTIs may experience bloating. This could be due to inflammation, antibiotic use to treat the infection, or an imbalance of gut microbiota involved in gut and urinary health.
A rare type of UTI, called EC, can also result in bloating by causing inflammation and a buildup of gas in the bladder wall.
UTIs may not typically cause weight gain, but bloating in the abdomen can cause the feeling or appearance of weight gain. An imbalance of gut microbiota may also influence both weight gain and the development and return of UTIs.
A UTI may develop into a severe kidney infection without treatment. To reduce the chance of this, it is advisable for an individual to speak with a doctor if they have symptoms so they can receive prompt treatment.
Jan 12, 2024 · Susan Barber Lindquist. January 12, 2024. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, but it can be serious. "Simple urinary tract infections can be managed by your primary care provider, but when they become complex leading to other issues or problems, you should seek the care of a specialist," says Dr. Mitchell Humphreys, a urologist at Mayo ...
Oct 3, 2023 · This usually results in localized symptoms related to urination. However, if left untreated, lower UTIs can migrate to the upper portion of the urinary tract. Upper UTIs cause systemic, flu-like ...
Aug 11, 2022 · Dehydration exacerbates UTIs. Although dehydration alone isn’t the root cause of a UTI, it can make things a lot worse. Drink water every day to keep your body running smoothly, especially if you feel the onset of UTI symptoms. You can also try Hydration IV Therapy to replenish your body before, during, and after treatment. 2. Drink Cranberry ...
Aug 16, 2022 · Inflammation is when a part of your body is swollen and hot. It can also be painful. Most of the time, cystitis happens when there's an infection caused by bacteria. This is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Having a bladder infection can be painful and annoying. It can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys.
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Oct 3, 2023 · These symptoms may include: more frequent urination. pain, burning, or other discomfort during urination. sudden urge to urinate (even if you just went) a sensation of difficulty emptying the ...
