Can a urinary tract infection cause nausea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause nausea, especially when the infection spreads from the bladder to the kidneys. Nausea often appears alongside other UTI symptoms such as:

Pain or burning during urination
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Lower abdominal or back pain
Fever and chills
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Vomiting or loss of appetite

Nausea with a UTI can signal that the infection is progressing and may need prompt medical attention. Because UTI symptoms often overlap with other conditions, it's important to identify what's really going on before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand your symptoms in minutes, narrow down possible causes, and guide you toward the right care—whether that's home care, a doctor's visit, or urgent evaluation. Taking a few minutes now could save you time, discomfort, and complications later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if nausea could mean a UTI Discover likely causes of UTI-related nausea Find out if your nausea needs care See OTC options for nausea relief Find a doctor for UTI symptoms Understand home remedies for UTI discomfort Discover if symptoms suggest a serious UTI

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Explanation

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to a variety of symptoms. According to the references provided, UTIs are commonly associated with symptoms such as pain during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. However, they can also cause more systemic symptoms, including nausea.

Symptoms of UTI

Pain and discomfort: This is often felt in the lower abdomen or back.
Urination issues: Frequent urges to urinate and pain during urination are common.
Systemic symptoms: These can include fever, chills, and nausea.

Nausea can occur because the body is responding to the infection, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Kaur R, & Kaur R. (2021). Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary .... Postgraduate medical journal, 33234708.
Jeena PM, Coovadia HM, & Adhikari M. (1996). Probable association between urinary tract infections (UTI .... Journal of tropical pediatrics, 8984206.
Nabi Z, Almukdad H, Alnassri A, Adli K, & Adie E. (2008). Gas-forming urinary tract infection. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, 18940128.

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