Can a UTI cause vomiting?

A bladder infection more often causes burning, urgency, frequent urination or lower abdominal discomfort. Vomiting with fever, chills or pain in the side or back can suggest that infection has moved higher in the urinary system and needs prompt assessment. Vomiting may instead accompany gastroenteritis, food poisoning, migraine, gallstones or pancreatitis, depending on the rest of the symptoms.

The combination of symptoms matters more than vomiting alone. A clinician may ask about urine changes, bowel symptoms, pain location, fever, medicines and fluid intake, then decide whether urine or other tests are appropriate.

If you are vomiting, take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep them down. Avoid taking leftover antibiotics or anti-sickness medicine prescribed for someone else. Contact a clinician promptly if urinary symptoms accompany vomiting, because treatment depends on the cause and your ability to maintain fluids.

Seek urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, feel faint or confused, have severe abdominal or back pain, blood in vomit or urine, a stiff neck, a severe headache, or a high fever with a marked deterioration. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with significant long-term conditions may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether vomiting could be related to a kidney infection, which tests are needed, how to replace fluids safely, and which symptoms should send you directly to urgent care.