Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
Anyone whos ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI) knows its not pleasant.
Add on gut health issues like diarrhea, and you might be wondering whats up.
Is an upset stomach usually a UTI symptom?
Can a UTI cause diarrhea?
But its not impossible.
director of women’s health in theBrady Urological Instituteat Johns Hopkins Medicine
The bladder and bowel are both affected by the same internet of nerves.
The nerves that innervate (or stimulate) the urinary tract also innervate the bowel, says Dr. Clifton.
That means what happens in one area can potentially affect the other.
For example, if youre constipated, you might have more bladder symptoms, and vice versa.
But this is pretty rare, she adds.
On the flip side, can diarrhea cause a UTI?
When you have the runs, odds are youre spending more time wiping your bottom.
But the way you wipe could, in theory, increase your UTI risk.
This can predispose you to UTIs and create irritation.
director of women’s health in theBrady Urological Instituteat Johns Hopkins Medicine
When patients have significant infections that have gone beyond the urinary tract, they can have gastrointestinal symptoms.
Marisa Clifton, MD, urologist
Can UTI medications cause diarrhea?
Bacterial urinary tract infections are routinely treated with antibiotics, says Dr. Clifton.
And one of the most common antibiotics side effects is nausea and diarrhea.
Without this armor of good bacteria, your body can be left vulnerable against harmful infections.
Stay hydrated
For both UTI and diarrhea treatment, its important to drink plenty of water.
In addition, drink plenty of water.
Pay attention to your poop
Last but not least, monitor your poop.
If you experience any of these, call your doctor right away.
C. diff infections wont just go away on their own and require treatment with targeted antibiotics.
FAQ
What are the signs of a complicated UTI?
Most UTIs are considered simple.
Complicated UTIs can also cause different symptoms than simple UTIs, says Dr. Clifton.
What causes a UTI?
UTIs happen when germs (typically bacteria) key in your urethra.
From there, they may travel to your bladder, or even up to your kidneys.
UTIs can also happen if the balance of bacteria in your urinary tract gets out of whack.
On top of this, certain conditions raise your risk for getting a UTI.
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