Search results
Feb 22, 2024 · The short answer is yes. The inflammation and irritation caused by a UTI can lead to an increase in gas production and retention, contributing to bloating. This can be compounded by the body's general inflammatory response, which can affect the digestive system and alter gut motility, leading to increased gas and discomfort.
- 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.
Jul 21, 2023 · Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms. Symptoms of a UTI include: Burning sensation when you urinate. Frequent urination, particularly at night. Cloudy urine. Urgently needing to urinate. Blood in urine. Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or under ribs. High fever or very low-temperature.
Aug 11, 2022 · In women, UTIs generally appear after a transfer of bacteria occurs in or around the lower urinary tract, such as through the urethra. Then, the bacteria travel to the bladder and begin to multiply. This leads to many uncomfortable symptoms. Common UTI Symptoms in Women. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a UTI is during or after you ...
Aug 16, 2022 · UTIs typically occur when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a type of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. But other types of bacteria can cause infections, too. Bacterial bladder infections may happen in women after sex.
In some cases, yes. The body’s immune response, inflammation, can cause a build-up of pressure, gas, and water within the urinary tract, as well as abdominal distension, which can contribute to bloating and the pain felt in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back. [3] That said, bloating is not a common symptom of a UTI. [3]
People also ask
What causes bloating & gas after a UTI?
Are bloating and urinary tract infections linked?
Can a UTI cause bloating?
Are urinary tract infections causing bloating and pelvic pain?
Can a UTI cause a full blown infection?
What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
UTI s typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTI s occur mainly in women ...
