It's Cold Season: Have a UTI and Sinus Infection Together?

Each year it’s estimated that about 35 million Americans suffer from at least one sinus infection , The uncomfortable sinus pressure that signals we are in the cold season. But did you know there's more to battle with this time of year than sneezes and sniffles?

Yes in addition to runny noses, rightight after the holidays and into valentines you can be left with pesky urinary tract infections (UTIs).  Dealing with both a stinging bladder and nagging sinuses  leave you feeling drained and exhausted if left untreated. So what should you do if you experience UTI symptoms and a sinus infection together?

What Is a UTI?

​​A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection that affects the urinary tract system. It’s very common and can affect anyone, from infants to older adults. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder, causing irritation and discomfort.

How do that bacteria get up there? It depends, but common reasons include  not changing out of wet clothing or swimsuits right away,  and sex or hormonal changes.

We’ll dive deeper into the symptoms of UTIs below, but they can include:

• A burning sensation when urinating

• The frequent urge to pee (even when you don’t need to)

• Pain in the lower abdomen or back

• Cloudy and/or bloody urine

If a UTI goes untreated, it could lead to more serious health issues, so if symptoms appear, it’s important to seek professional care and testing to confirm infection (one testing options is uses PCR technology to look for one of the main 12 causes of UTIs is one option, but we’ll get into that later).

Symptoms of a UTI

Symptoms of a UTI may vary depending on the severity of the infection. As mentioned above, symptoms generally include the following:

• Intense pain when urinating

• A burning sensation in the bladder

• Cloudy or bloody urine

• Pelvic cramping

• Abdominal tenderness

Other symptoms can include frequent feeling that you need to urinate, but with little amount that comes out,  as well as fever and chills. These symptoms should not be confused with symptoms of other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and kidney stones.

STIs often cause unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, while kidney stone symptoms might include excruciating lower back pain or nausea. Those symptoms typically aren’t present when you have a UTI.

How to Prevent UTIs

Interested in stopping UTIs at the source before they ever occur? Before we chat about some tips for preventing UTIs, it’s important to note that these infections aren’t your fault.

Some women are naturally more…susceptible to bacteria. This means that your body might naturally be less prone to or able to flush out bacteria effectively to prevent UTIs.

What else can you do to help your body flush out bacteria?

Drinking plenty of water is a great preventative measure. Increasing your fluid intake allows for more frequent urination, which helps prevent bacteria from gathering in the urinary tract.

It's also important to practice good hygiene habits. Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom can help prevent harmful bacteria from getting into the bladder or urethra. Also,  washing your genital area with simple soap and water, a PSA to NOT use the heavily scented soaps or lotions as they have ingredients that can cause irritation to the vulva and urethra. And never put soap inside the vagina! Another preventative technique is urinating after sexual activity, as this flushes excess bacteria out of your system before it can have time to cause harm.

Finally, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing that constricts circulation may help prevent bacterial overgrowth.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Now that you know the symptoms and causes of UTIs, what about sinus infections? A sinus infection, also referred to as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause pain and pressure in your face.

Viruses, bacteria, or other allergens typically cause sinus infections. This includes common household allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that enter the sinuses. Other potential causes include irritation from air pollutants or smoking.

Are sinus infections serious? Not unless you leave an infection untreated.

If left untreated, sinus infections can cause more serious sinus issues and sinus-related complications. This can include sinus headaches, asthma, and even meningitis. However, most sinus infections are treatable and easy to manage.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

Much like UTIs, symptoms of sinus infection vary. However, they typically include at least one or two of the following symptoms:

• Headaches

• Facial tenderness

• Pain in areas around the sinuses

• Stuffy nose

• Coughing fits

• Thick mucus production

• Fever

To help ease these symptoms or cure sinusitis altogether, treatments may include:

• Nasal sprays for congestion relief

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

• Specific inhalers for allergies

• Sinus washes with saline solutions

In most cases, you do need antibiotics to cure a sinus infection. So, in this context, a sinus infection is similar (in terms of treatment options) to a UTI.

This means that if you suffer from frequent sinus infections or recurring UTIs, it pays to understand the root of the cause. Sure, you can visit your doctor and ask for antibiotics. However, doing so too often can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Treating a UTI and Sinus Infection Together

While it’s unfortunate to end up in bed with a UTI and sinus infection together, it’s not impossible. Because each comes with different symptoms and root causes, it can be difficult to know how to treat them both.

The best approach is to treat both the UTI and the sinus infection simultaneously with antibiotics that target the types of bacteria causing these ailments. Depending on the cause of your infection, you might need other medications, such as antifungals or antivirals.

Taking steps like drinking plenty of water and avoiding processed food help support healing. Aside from getting rest, staying hydrated, and caring for your body, here are the most common treatment options for each, so you’re prepared for the next time you get a UTI or sinus infection.

Treating a UTI

Treating a urinary tract infection may depend on the severity of your symptoms and the type of bacteria causing it. Likewise, treatment for chronic UTI issues might differ from the treatment you need for your first UTI (read: antibiotics might be why you can’t stop UTIs).

Generally, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, usually over three to seven days. During this time, drink plenty of fluids and pee regularly to help flush out bacteria.

Home remedies like cranberry or d-mannose supplements might be worth trying too. However, it’s important to note that these should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment and are best used as maintenance or prevention tactics!

Treating a Sinus Infection

You can treat a sinus infection in a variety of different ways. Generally, taking over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and pain relievers can help lessen the discomfort brought on by the infection.

Like treating a UTI, drinking plenty of fluids is helpful if you’re stuck in bed with a nasty sinus infection. However, with a sinus infection, using a humidifier or vaporizer are also great ways to thin out mucus.

For more serious infections, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Remember that even after treatment with medication, it may take several weeks for your symptoms to go away fully.

Treating UTI & Sinus Infection Simultaneously

Now, what are you to do if you’ve got a sinus infection and a UTI? First, remember to rest. Regardless of the medications or home remedies you’re taking, it’s important to let your body rest and heal through these infections.

Then, it’s important to continue to drink plenty of fluids and ensure you’re in a comfortable, well-ventilated space (no, that won’t help with the UTI, but it will make it easier for you to get over your sinus infection).

If you’re feeling up to it, it’s important to get to the root cause of your UTI. This is because when you understand what bacteria is causing it, you can ensure you’re taking the right antibiotics to treat that bacteria specifically.

The biggest issue when treating a UTI and sinus infection is that you might take two different antibiotics. Furthermore, you might take antibiotics you don’t actually need or that aren’t effective.

It’s best to speak with your doctor about any prescription antibiotics they give you for a sinus infection. To get to the root cause of your UTI infection, especially if they happen frequently,  you may want to try a PCR test from MyUTI that looks for one of the main 12 causes of UTIs.

Confirm It’s a UTI: Try MyUTI

PCR UTI tests use modern technology to provide a quicker and more detailed look at the bacteria or yeast found in your urinary tract than culture tests.

While PCR UTI tests can be incredibly helpful in diagnosing problems early on, unfortunately, obtaining access to PCR UTI tests can take months and require an expensive visit to a Urologist or Urogynecologist. That’s what we’re here for! While we can't help treat a UTI and sinus infection together, we can help you treat your UTI.

At MyUTI, we believe in making high-quality, helpful UTI testing accessible to all. Our UTI test is one of the most effective solutions because it provides an accurate identification of bacteria causing your symptoms without visiting a doctor's office.

Try the MyUTI test today and get on your way to feeling better tomorrow (and keep drinking fluids for either infection).