How Can A UTI Lead To Sepsis?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons that individuals seek medical care, and the vast majority of patients will fully recover with proper antibiotics. However, if left untreated, a UTI could expand and cause infection in the kidneys. The human body counters the contamination with an immune response, but it sometimes goes too far. Sepsis is the result of the body damaging itself when trying to address an infection like UTI, in which case medical professionals use the term urosepsis. Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening and should be considered a medical emergency.

There are many reasons a person may contract a UTI, but medical negligence is usually behind a secondary infection affecting the kidneys and development of sepsis. UTI should never be fatal, yet it could be when health care providers do not comply with the appropriate medical standard of care. A Miami sepsis and septic shock lawyer can advise you on legal remedies if your family was affected, and some background is informative.

How UTI can Lead to Sepsis 

Sepsis does not arise on its own and will only develop when the body is already suffering from an infection. When infections are promptly treated and toxins are eliminated, the body would never mount such an extreme response. It is only when you do not receive proper care that your system takes matters into its own hands.

Urosepsis is a specific form of the condition that occurs when an untreated UTI spreads into the kidneys, in turn infecting them. The next phase, septic shock, occurs when the organs suffer such damage that they begin to shut down and lead to death.

 Symptoms of Urosepsis 

First, keep in mind the signs of conditions leading up to urosepsis. A UTI comes with sudden and frequent urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. If you did not receive proper treatment, you must pay attention to symptoms of kidney infection. Examples include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and chills.

When the infection progresses to urosepsis, the individual may experience:

• Rapid breathing and respiratory distress
• Extreme nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Confusion and declined mental state
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate 

Risk Factors for Certain Patients 

The path from UTI to kidney infection to urosepsis is more common among certain individuals, and the elderly are most at risk. Those who are wheelchair bound or have limited sensation below the waist may not notice signs of UTI. Older adults might also have memory loss or experience challenges with communicating pain and other symptoms. It is often up to loved ones to monitor those with risk factors, including residents in assisted living facilities.

Speak to a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Right Away 

It seems outrageous that someone could die because of a UTI, but infection is a much more serious medical condition than you expect. To learn more about your remedies, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. We can schedule a complimentary consultation at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers to review details.

Source:

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-urosepsis