Do Urinary Tract Infections Cause Bloating?
Urinary tract infections can cause significant discomfort and a range of symptoms related to the urinary system, which may impact the patient’s routine. Among these symptoms, some gastric issues like bloating, pelvic pain, and stomach distension are noticed and so patients mostly get curious to know about their relation with UTIs. But one of the best things is that UTI is treatable and preventable with the help of medications and lifestyle changes.
Wondering, do urinary tract infections cause bloating? Read this post which dives into understanding the UTI- its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This post especially focuses on answering the most asked question “Do urinary tract infections cause bloating?”
What is a UTI?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a worldwide common health issue caused by bacteria, mostly E. coli, entering the urinary system. It occurs when the bacteria make their way to the urethra and eventually to the ureters, urinary bladder, and/or kidneys due to no medical intervention by a urologist. If the infection-causing bacteria overgrow at a low level in the urinary tract in the initial parts of the tract, the infection is said to be mild and otherwise serious. Still, some people are considering whether Do urinary tract infections cause bloating, this blog will explain all this in detail.
Who gets UTI and Why?
UTI is commonly contracted by people assigned female at birth or women because of their sexual anatomy- their short urethra. Females have urethra close to their rectum which increases the accessibility of the UTI-causing bacteria to the urinary bladder. Furthermore, they are more likely to be experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections because of factors like hormonal changes, sexual activity, pregnancy, and menopause.
Thinking whether every UTI patient experiences bloating or Do urinary tract infections cause bloating? Read out further to know common UTI symptoms and get an answer to the link between infection and bloating.
Common UTI Symptoms in Women:
Usually, people affected with urinary tract infections experience most of the following symptoms: Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea, Pain or burning sensation when passing urine, Urinary Urgency- a sudden/urgent need to pee, Urinary frequency- passing urine more often (especially during the nighttime), Passing of dark, cloudy, foul-smelling urine, Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and back Aching muscles, Fever and chills, Extreme tiredness or fatigue.
Can a UTI Cause Bloating?
Finally, you are at the prime focus point of this post! Hope you get a satisfactory expert answer to your question: Do urinary tract infections cause bloating?
Bloating is a symptom that is not widely recognized when it comes to signs of urinary tract infections. It is a condition wherein the stomach feels full and tight, often because of gas building up. Although bloating is not a typical symptom of urinary tract infection, it may be experienced by some UTI patients, particularly when they are suffering from recurrent infections in any part of their urinary tract.
As per medical research, the link between UTI and bloating is multifaceted. A UTI patient may experience bloating due to:
- Natural Immune Response by the Body: The infection of the urinary tract leads to the body’s natural immune response- and inflammation. It contributes to the swelling of the urinary tract and even surrounding organs, which may build up pressure, gas, and water within the urinary tract including stomach distension, leading to bloating and pain in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back.
- UTI Treatment with Antibiotics: Typically, urologists treat urinary tract infections by prescribing antibiotics. Antibiotics, like any other medications, pose some side effects, commonly gastric issues, including bloating.
You Can Always Test for a UTI!
If you are worried about a UTI and want to know about “Do urinary tract infections cause bloating” in your case, then consult with a physician or urologist. Urinary tract infections can be diagnosed by studying the patient’s symptoms and performing urinalysis- microscopic examination of the urine for signs of infection. In case of recurrent UTIs, a urologist orders further tests like a CT scan or ultrasound.
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections?
Treatment for urinary tract infections typically involves an antibiotic course and painkiller medications, if necessary. Besides this, the patient is advised to have more hydrating fluids and cranberry supplements.
For treating simple UTIs, a short course of appropriate antibiotics, usually 3 days, is enough. The prescribed course must be fully done to avoid the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Postmenopausal women may be helped with vaginal hormonal replacement in topical form. For treating complicated UTIs, the course of antibiotics is longer. In some cases, antibiotics are intravenously provided.
UTI symptoms and bloating are even manageable with constant hydration; avoiding spicy and acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, and many other foods that could aggravate the symptoms; and taking probiotics.
Medications for Urinary Tract Infections:
Some medications that one can use for UTI management are antibiotics such as Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, Fosfomycin (Monurol), Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin.
Medications for Bloating/Gas:
Medications for Bloating management include Simethicone, Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, Peppermint Oil, and Digestive Enzymes.
Top Tips to Prevent UTIs:
Now that you have got the answer to your question: Do urinary tract infections cause bloating, you must be aware of how to avoid UTI and bloating in the first place.
To Minimize the Chances of having UTI and Accompanying Bloating, it is advised to:
- Practice good sanitary hygiene, including wiping from the front to back genital area after using the washroom.
- Be cognizant of the products used to care for uro-genitals; go with water-based lubricants.
- Avoid using diaphragms and switch to another contraceptive, if there is a recurrence of UTI
- Do not wear tight-fitted bottom wear.
- Avoid douching.
- Take showers and not baths.
- Always clean genitals before and after sexual intercourse and even urinate.
- Keep the body well hydrated.
- Empty bladder upon urination.
FAQs:
Can Recurrent UTIs be a Sign of Cancer?
Recurrent urinary tract infections are not a sign of cancer. However, research studies suggest that repeated and persistent UTIs may increase the risk of bladder cancer or cancers of other parts of the urinary system.
How to Sleep with UTI Discomfort?
If you are experiencing nighttime discomfort due to UTI, in the form of pain during urination and frequent urination, then you must try some home remedies and medical treatments to have better sleep. Drinking adequate water, completely emptying the bladder, using a heating pad, taking pain relievers and antibiotics, avowing caffeine intake, and trying sodium carbonate can help.
Does a UTI Cause Itching?
Itching is not a major symptom of UTI. But, if women with UTI are experiencing vaginal itch, the reason is another infection, commonly of yeast.
Does a Bladder Infection Make you Bloated?
A bladder infection is a urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bladder. It is a kind of UTI known to cause bloating in the stomach because of the infection and inflammation in the belly.
How Long Does Bloat Take to Kill a Dog?
Do urinary tract infections cause bloating in dogs? Bloating is a severe, extremely painful condition. A dog suffering from bloating can die in just a few hours without veterinary intervention.
Signs of bloating must not be ignored. It is important to take the help of an expert to prevent further wording of the concern. One must also take help to watch if- Do urinary tract infections cause bloating.
Reference:
- https://www.everlywell.com/blog/virtual-care/can-a-uti-cause-bloating/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-utis-cause-bloating