What happens if a urinary tract infection is severe?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that mainly affects the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, kidneys, etc. While most urinary tract infections resolve quickly with antibiotic treatment, they can cause a host of complications if left untreated or severe. Here’s a detailed look at the serious consequences of urinary tract infections.
1. Common symptoms of urinary tract infection
Typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and cloudy or bloody urine. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, low back pain, and nausea.
| Symptom type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| lower urinary tract infection | Frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and difficulty urinating |
| upper urinary tract infection | Fever, low back pain, nausea, vomiting |
2. Serious complications of urinary tract infection
If a urinary tract infection is not treated promptly or worsens, it may lead to the following serious complications:
| Complications | specific impact |
|---|---|
| Pyelonephritis | Kidney infection, which may cause permanent kidney damage |
| sepsis | Bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infection |
| Urethral stricture | Repeated infections lead to urethral stricture, affecting urination |
| pregnancy complications | Infections in pregnant women may increase risk of premature delivery or low birth weight babies |
3. High-risk groups need special attention
The following people are more likely to develop serious urinary tract infections or complications and need to be extra vigilant:
| high risk groups | risk factors |
|---|---|
| elderly | Immunity is reduced and symptoms may be atypical |
| diabetics | High blood sugar increases risk of infection |
| pregnant woman | Hormonal changes and uterine compression increase the chance of infection |
| Those with structural abnormalities of the urinary tract | Congenital or acquired urinary tract abnormalities can easily lead to infection |
4. How to prevent urinary tract infection from getting worse
To prevent a urinary tract infection from developing into a serious illness, you can take the following preventive measures:
1.drink more water: Increase urine output to help flush the urethra and reduce bacterial growth.
2.Pay attention to hygiene: Women should wipe from front to back to avoid bacteria entering the urethra from the anus.
3.Avoid holding in urine: Holding urine for a long time will increase the chance of bacterial growth.
4.timely treatment: Once symptoms appear, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
5. Methods to treat urinary tract infection
Treatment of urinary tract infections usually includes antibiotics and adjunctive therapies:
| Treatment | Specific content |
|---|---|
| antibiotic treatment | Choose the right antibiotic based on the type of bacteria |
| painkillers | Relieve pain and discomfort during urination |
| Complementary therapy | Drink plenty of water and avoid irritating foods |
6. Summary
Although urinary tract infections are common, if not treated in time or if the condition is severe, it may lead to serious consequences such as kidney damage and sepsis. Especially high-risk groups should be more vigilant, seek medical treatment promptly and take preventive measures. With proper treatment and daily care, the worsening of urinary tract infections can be effectively avoided.
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