Q: Can a high fever from tonsillitis cause frequent urination?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

I currently have tonsillitis accompanied by a high fever. I have noticed that I am urinating very frequently. Is it normal to urinate this often when experiencing a high fever?

Answer:

Yes, experiencing frequent urination when you have a high fever from tonsillitis is a common occurrence.

Here is why you might be urinating more frequently during a high fever:

• Increased fluid intake: When you have a fever, you naturally (and should) drink more water to prevent dehydration, which naturally leads to more frequent bathroom trips.

• Increased metabolism: A high fever speeds up your body's metabolic processes, which can also affect urine output.

• Medications: Some medications used to treat tonsillitis or fever symptoms can influence the amount of urine you produce.

While this is a normal response, it is important to monitor the following:

→ Urine color: Is it a clear, light yellow? (Dark yellow indicates dehydration, meaning you need to drink more fluids).

→ Discomfort: Do you experience any pain, stinging, or a burning sensation when urinating?

→ Odor: Does the urine have an unusual or foul smell?

If you experience pain during urination, notice blood in your urine, or detect a severe foul odor, these could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) rather than just a symptom of your fever. In such cases, please consult your doctor for a proper medical evaluation.

For now, continue to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Once your fever subsides, your urination frequency should return to normal. Wishing you a swift recovery!

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

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