Constipation and UTI
General

Do You Know Constipation Can Be The Reason Behind Your Urinary Tract Infection?

Are you suffering from constipation and UTI at the same time repeatedly? It always makes you wonder why? Well, whether you are aware or not, but UTI or the Urinary Tract Infection is the one commonest complex situations when you suffer from a severe case of constipation. You might want to know how UTI and constipation are associated with each other.

Constipation and Bladder Infection are Related to each Other

When you suffer from the urinary tract infection, usually it is caused by the E.coli bacteria. E.coli is the bacteria that reside in the large intestine. Unfortunately, often such bacteria get access to the urinary tract and then transfer to the bladder via the urethra. Hence, you suffer from the bladder infection along with constipation. This is how constipation and UTI are related to each other.

The Connection between Constipation and UTI in Children

If your kid has been diagnosed with UTI, it is important to also check for the constipation signs. As per the studies, children suffering from chronic constipation usually also suffer from UTI. It has also been found that treatment executed fro constipation among kids helps to eliminate pyuria, enuresis, and bacteriuria.Constipation and UTI at the same time can be a big problem.
The Urinary Tract Infections are caused mainly because of the bacterial or microbe infections surpassing the urinary tract’s natural defensive potential. A kid with UTI might experience the following:

  • Stomach ache in the lower section
  • Vomiting
  • Pain while peeing
  • Smelly pee
  • Loss of appetite
  • Traces of blood in the pee
  • Fever without any a cough
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • No or minimum gain in weight
  • Irritation

When UTI is not Treated Right on Time. It can Spread up to the Kidneys and the Blood Stream Causing some Serious Issues like:

  • High fever
  • Shivering
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Continuous vomiting
  • Drowsiness

Why Does Constipation Cause UTI?

Constipation and UTI are related to each other. There are three top reasons that can bring forth the reasons why constipation increases the risk of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Let us have a look at the three primary reasons.

Obstructed Bladder

If you are aware of the human physiology, you will notice that the colon and the rectum are adjacent to the bladder. When you start storing the waste products, your rectum along with the stool will put pressure on the bladder. This can be the reason that prevents from the emptying of your bladder entirely while you urinate.

When the urine accumulates in the bladder for a longer period of time, there is a greater probability that bacteria will start to pile up in the urine. Hence, you will suffer from UTI.

The Backward Flow of the Urine

When there is a pressure on the bladder from the colon, it can also cause the urine to flow in the backward direction from the urethra to the bladder section. Hence, the bacteria also flows back from the urethra to the bladder. This also leads to constipation and burning urine at the same time, and it can be quite painful and discomforting for the person suffering.

The E. coli Bacteria

E.coli Bacteria - Urinary Tract Infection Cause

Do you know constipation is to blame the presence of the high levels of E.coli bacteria in the rectum? This leads to the increase in the spread of the infection in the urinary tract. Thus, it can be said constipation and UTI are associated with each other, with the former being the reason. It has been found that kids are the most affected ones, and must be given treatment at the earliest.

When you are experiencing chronic constipation, there are other painful conditions related as well. Anal fissure and thrombosed hemorrhoids are the conditions that usually you will experience. Furthermore, due to the pain in your anus, there is an interference in the urination, and this is one of the causes of the urinary tract infections. When a toddler suffers from severe constipation, the anal fissure is detected. Constipation and UTI are also very common among pregnant ladies and must not be taken lightly.

[ReadReasons For Constipation After Food Poisioning]

Diagnosis of UTI and Constipation

Since UTI can prove to be hazardous for your kidneys, it is important to undergo treatment at the earliest. The renal ultrasound evaluation or scan can determine the blockages. And also track whether the kidneys are in their original shape and size after getting affected by the UTI. The severe case of constipation can be seen as a very big factor influencing the UTI development. Constipation and UTI are related to each other, and hence it is essential to undergo treatment of the conditions and clear your bowels.

Remedy for Constipation and UTI

In order to get rid of constipation and UTI, you can try out some home based remedies. They include:

  • Increase the intake of your fluid quantity
  • Using a laxative (mild) can be helpful
  • Increase the consumption of fiber in your diet
  • Cranberry juice has positive effects on the issue

Perhaps the best way to treat the issue of constipation and UTI is by keeping your bowel movement smooth. In fact, during the severe cases, the home-based solutions won’t be enough. You need to seek doctor’s advice and act as per his/her medication to get cured. The top priority is getting relief from constipation.

Suitable antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor. The medicines, ensure to reduce the level of acidity in your urine. So that the infection can be reduced and eliminated and the symptoms can be treated as well. You will come across several counter drugs like Citravescent, Ural, and Citralite. If taking fiber-rich food is not helping you, you can opt for a supplement as well, like Metamucil. With the best treatment, you can get rid of constipation and UTI together.

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sameer Kumar (MBBS, MS, FMAS, DMAS)Obstetrician & Gynecologist