Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are treatable, but they can sometimes be serious. If bacteria move from the urinary tract to the kidneys or bloodstream, the infection can result in sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous body response to infection and requires urgent medical care.
How A UTI Can Develop Into Sepsis
A UTI begins in the bladder or urethra. If it gets worse or spreads upward, it can cause a kidney infection. Sometimes bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a serious reaction throughout the body.
Not every UTI turns into sepsis. But don’t ignore worsening symptoms, especially if they come on quickly.
How To Tell If A Urinary Tract Infection Is Becoming Serious
Warning signs of a serious infection may include:
- High or low body temperature (fever)
- Shaking, quaking or trembling
- Fast heartbeat or breathing
- Marked weakness or unusual tiredness
- Confusion or severe drowsiness
- Severe side or back pain
- Little or no urination
- Dizziness or fainting
These symptoms need immediate medical attention because sepsis can develop rapidly.
Who Is More At Risk?
Risk may be higher for older adults, people with diabetes, weakened immune systems, or pregnancy, as well as people with urinary blockage or certain kidney and bladder problems.
When To See A Doctor?
Call your doctor if your UTI symptoms get worse or come back, or if you have fever, chills, vomiting, back or side pain, or marked weakness. Get emergency medical help right away if you have confusion, trouble breathing, fainting, or a decrease in the amount of urine.
Treatment And Prevention
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Urine or blood tests may help determine whether antibiotics or hospitalization is needed. Fluids may help maintain normal urinary function, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment in Indore.
FAQs
Can a bladder infection lead to sepsis?
Yes. Not every urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys or the bloodstream and causes sepsis , but sometimes a bladder infection can do this .
How do you know if a UTI is sepsis?
Signs may include fever or low temperature, chills, fast breathing, fast heart rate, confusion, severe weakness and less urine.
Is kidney infection more serious than UTI?
A kidney infection may be more serious because the infection has spread to the upper urinary tract and into the bloodstream.
When do I need to go to the ER for a UTI?
Get emergency help if you have confusion, trouble breathing, fainting, severe weakness, or a significant decrease in urine output.
Can you treat sepsis from a urinary infection?
Sepsis requires immediate medical treatment. Treatment may include antibiotics, fluids, and monitoring and other supportive care based on the person’s condition.
