Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, especially among women, and they’re typically associated with symptoms like painful urination, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort. But if you’re feeling nauseous too, you may be wondering if nausea is also a symptom of a UTI. In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know about the connection between UTIs and nausea, what it might mean for your health, and when it’s time to visit urgent care for professional treatment.
For same-day UTI testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our center is equipped with advanced diagnostics, including an on-site lab, allowing for the quickest results and treatment around. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding UTIs and The Symptoms
A UTI occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli) enter the urinary tract and multiply, typically affecting the bladder (cystitis), but sometimes spreading to the urethra, kidneys, or ureters.
Common symptoms of a lower UTI (bladder infection) include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Mild back pain
Nausea is not always present in a simple bladder infection, but it can appear as the infection worsens.
Why Can a UTI Cause Nausea?
Nausea is more likely when a UTI spreads beyond the bladder– most often to the kidneys. A kidney infection (also known as pyelonephritis) can cause more systemic symptoms, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Flank or back pain (usually on one side)
- Fatigue or weakness
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood. When they become infected, the body reacts more strongly, which can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. Even if the infection hasn’t reached the kidneys, nausea might still appear due to dehydration, pain and discomfort, or anxiety and stress. Regardless of the cause, nausea should not be ignored, especially if it occurs alongside typical UTI symptoms.
When To Seek Urgent Care
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience:
- UTI symptoms with nausea or vomiting
- High fever
- Pain in your upper back or side
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Worsening or persistent symptoms after a few days
These signs may indicate that the infection is more serious. At an urgent care center, a medical provider can offer fast, walk-in treatment for UTIs. This includes on-site urinalysis and lab testing, prescription antibiotics, and symptom relief for nausea and discomfort.
Get Walk-In UTI Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
It’s important to get checked out sooner rather than later. Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading. If you’re dealing with symptoms of a UTI, or feeling nauseous, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer for a quick diagnosis and treatment plan. Your health is worth prioritizing– don’t hesitate to get the care you need! Our center is conveniently located at 777 E Speer Blvd. in Denver, CO. Just walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-pay patients. If you have any additional questions about urinary tract infection treatment, or other services we provide, contact a member of our team directly at (303) 733-4000.
