The medical term sepsis refers to a pathology in which the body has a relatively severe and inflammatory response to the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. For this reason, urinary infection is known as urinary sepsis. However, it is defined as urinary sepsis and not as a superficial infection, which means what many people know as blood poisoning. It can be fatal for patients on several occasions, mainly if proper treatment is not carried out quickly.
UTIs do not usually lead to death. However, if sepsis takes control in response to the bacteria that are causing it and is not treated in time, it can cause the person to die.
If you do not know much about this disorder, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain everything about urinary sepsis: symptoms and treatment.
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Complications of a urinary infection
When a correct treatment is carried out at the right time, urinary tract infections of the lower tract, that is, in the bladder and urethra, very rarely have complications. However, if the treatment is not carried out at the right time, the general situation condition of the patient can be aggravated and lead to consequences such as:
- Kidney damage: these are usually permanent and appear due to an acute or chronic infection of the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, which was not treated correctly.
- Premature babies: pregnant women with urinary sepsis may complicate their child by being born with a lower weight than expected or being born prematurely.
- Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra in men with gonococcal urethritis from recurrent urethritis.
- Sepsis: Urinary sepsis is life-threatening, mainly if the infection progresses from the urinary tract to the kidneys.
Urinary sepsis: symptoms
Sepsis can appear in any part of the body and cause numerous symptoms. However, the first signs of this alteration are the presence of an acceleration in breathing, changes in mental state and alertness, and chronic confusion, among others. Also, other symptoms may appear, such as:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Pain or burning when urinating. It is also possible to see blood or pus in the urine.
- Pulse faster than usual.
- Although there are also cases where the body temperature is shallow, chills, and fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Pain in the lower back
Urinary sepsis: treatment
Because urinary sepsis is a very advanced state of infection, its treatment is urgently indicated. It is generally based on meeting three objectives:
- Stop microbial action.
- Improve symptoms and complications of urinary sepsis.
- Remedy the cause of the infection, which can be through surgery.
To eliminate and inhibit the growth of the pathogen, the specialist will choose the dose and the most recommended drugs according to the result of the bacterial cultures, which will indicate the type of microorganism that is present and in what quantities, in addition, to taking into account the health conditions of the patient, for example, if he is diabetic or pregnant. This pharmacological treatment can be administered orally or by injection and include a combination of drugs, depending on the infection.
While for the treatment of symptoms and accompanying measures to increase the chance of recovery, it is likely that oxygen will be required to keep the tissues functioning in case of difficulty breathing or presenting a low level of oxygen in the blood and, in some cases more severe, mechanical ventilation may be necessary. It will also seek to control hydration, glucose level, and blood pressure with the intravenous administration of fluids and medications.
On the other hand, tests can determine the cause of the urinary infection that was complicated by producing sepsis and thus correct the condition, which in turn can improve symptoms and faster recovery. In some cases, it is possible that the cause can be solved with the consumption of specific medications. Still, in other alterations, the most advisable thing could be surgical intervention, such as removing a foreign body in the urinary tract.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Urinary sepsis: symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.