What Happens if a UTI Goes Untreated?

The thing about urinary tract infections is that they're uncomfortable, but for many women, they're not uncomfortable enough to necessitate a doctor's appointment. A lot of women rely on at-home remedies and natural UTI prevention methods to cure their symptoms and restore urinary tract health. While these methods may work to combat slight infections, they're often not enough for advanced cases. If you have a UTI, it is imperative that you seek medical attention and the proper bacterial defense right away, otherwise, you risk developing life-threatening complications.

Untreated UTIs Can Lead to Urosepsis

Standard UTIs affect only the bladder and result in the frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, foul-smelling urine, pain during sex, pressure in the lower back or abdomen and the general feeling of being unwell. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are not life-threatening. If left untreated, however, the condition causing them may become life-threatening. 

Urosepsis is one possible complication of an untreated UTI and occurs when the infection reaches higher parts of the urinary system, such as the ureters and kidneys. Urosepsis is an emergency condition and is characterized by the following symptoms:

·         Extreme fatigue

·         Nausea and/or vomiting

·         Trouble breathing

·         Confusion

·         Pain near the kidneys

·         Increased anxiety levels

·         Reduced urine volume or no urine

·         Fever or low body temperature

·         Weak pulse

·         Rapid heart rate

·         Profuse sweating

If you develop any of these symptoms along with your urinary tract infection, go to the emergency room right away. Left untreated, urosepsis can lead to severe sepsis, septic shock or multiple organ failure.

Prevention Is Best

The best way to prevent complications of UTIs is to prevent UTIs entirely. You can maintain urinary tract health by taking bacterial defense medications and supplements, such as cranberry pills, Vitamin C supplements, probiotics and D mannose. You can also educate yourself on what tips and tricks you can implement into your daily routine to keep bad bacteria at bay. Contact us to learn more about what you can do to maintain your health and prevent life-threatening complications.