Sepsis is serious when your body goes overdrive to fight an infection. 

It can cause multiple organ dysfunction and, in severe cases, death. 

Urosepsis specifically originates from Urinary Tract Infections, encompassing lower Urinary Tract Infections like Cystitis and upper Urinary Tract Infections such as Pyelonephritis. 

It can be quite severe and has a mortality rate (the chance of not surviving) of around 30% to 40%. 

In this article, we will look at the causes of Urosepsis, its symptoms, and how doctors treat it. 

Progression from UTI to Urosepsis

Urosepsis begins when bad bacteria get into your urinary tract, and untreated UTIs can lead to the development of Urosepsis. 

The infection spreads to the kidneys from the lower urinary tract, and the body’s immune system struggles to fight off the infection. 

The body’s dangerous response to this infection can cause widespread inflammation and damage normal tissues and organs.

Stages of Urosepsis

Urosepsis, like all forms of Sepsis, can be categorized into three stages: 

  • Sepsis
  • Severe Sepsis
  • Septic shock

Septic shock is the most critical and dangerous stage, which can result in the death of an individual. 

Symptoms

Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure

Symptoms of Urosepsis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. 

When a UTI progresses to sepsis, common symptoms include:

  • Low Blood Pressure (systolic pressure less than 100 mmHg)
  • High respiratory rate (more than 22 breaths per minute)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid heart rate

Urosepsis can show up with different symptoms depending on where the infection is:

Cystitis

This is when the infection is in your bladder. 

You might have pain when you pee, need to pee a lot, and feel pain in your lower belly. 

You could also have a fever and feel tired or shaky

Pyelonephritis

When the infection goes up to your kidneys, you might have a fever, pain in your sides or back, and feel sick to your stomach. 

Sometimes, you can also have symptoms like Cystitis

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

It is another name for an infection in the prostate gland in men. 

You could have a fever, feel like you need to pee all the time, and your pee might look cloudy. 

It can also hurt when you pee and feel pain in your pelvic area.

Fact:
Cystitis is more common in women than in men. It is primarily due to the shorter length of the female urethra, which allows bacteria easier access to the bladder, increasing the risk of Cystitis in women.

Causes

Urosepsis typically arises from an untreated or poorly treated UTI. 

The most common bacteria that can cause Urosepsis is Escherichia coli.

But other bacteria like Proteus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also be responsible.

Bacteria from the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, migrate to the kidneys, can cause a more severe infection.

Warning:
While most strains of Escherichia. coli are harmless, some strains can lead to infections. So, avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as they can carry harmful E. coli strains, causing infection.

Risk factors for Urosepsis

Several factors increase the risk of developing Urosepsis:

  • Gender: Women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at a higher risk
  • Age: Older adults are more susceptible
  • Urinary Catheter: Having a urinary catheter in place can introduce bacteria
  • UTIs: A history of UTIs or recent diagnosis increases the risk
  • Surgeries: Surgical procedures that require catheter use
  • Medical conditions: Diabetes, weakened immune system, chronic UTIs, and inability to empty the bladder fully

Diagnosis and tests

Diagnosing Urosepsis involves reviewing the person’s medical history, assessing symptoms, and conducting blood tests. 

Blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count) and C-reactive protein can indicate infection and inflammation. 

A blood culture is used to identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection. 

Additional tests like urine analysis, urine culture, ultrasound, and CT scans may also be performed to diagnose and evaluate the extent of the infection.

Treatment

Antibiotics are the primary form of treatment
Antibiotics

Getting treated quickly is very important because some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. 

The primary treatment includes:

  • Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered intravenously (IV) to eliminate the infection’s bacteria
  • IV Fluids: IV fluids are given to maintain blood pressure and treat organ damage
  • Medications: Vasopressors or Corticosteroids may be used to stabilize blood pressure
  • Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen may be provided if needed
  • Mechanical ventilation: A breathing tube and ventilator may be necessary if the patient cannot breathe effectively on their own
Recommended Article
To know in detail about treatment, read Urosepsis Treatment: Navigating the Path to Full Recovery. 

Prevention

Woman should maintain personal hygiene
Maintain proper hygiene

Preventing Urosepsis primarily involves early detection and treatment of UTIs.

To minimize the risk of UTIs:

  • Maintain proper hygiene: You should wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
  • Handwashing: Wash hands before and after using the bathroom
  • Empty your bladder regularly: Avoid holding in urine and urinate after sexual activity
  • Practice good bathroom hygiene: Avoid using products like spermicides, douches, deodorant sprays, or scented soaps

Conclusion

Urosepsis is a critical medical condition that arises from untreated or poorly managed Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). 

Its symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing, which is vital for seeking immediate medical attention. 

The causes of Urosepsis are often related to bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common culprit. However, other bacteria can also lead to this condition.

The primary treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics, IV fluids to stabilize blood pressure, and medications to support organ function. 

It can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene, practicing handwashing, and emptying the bladder regularly. 

Urosepsis is a serious medical condition that demands attention and proactive measures to prevent its occurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Urosepsis start?

Urosepsis typically starts with an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). When harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract, it can cause a UTI. If left untreated, the infection can spread to bloodstream and kidneys, leading to Urosepsis.

What organs are affected by Urosepsis?

Urosepsis can affect various organs in the body, primarily the urinary tract and kidneys. However, it can also impact other vital organs like heart, lungs, liver, and brain. The infection’s systemic nature makes it a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Can Urosepsis cause kidney damage?

Yes, Urosepsis can indeed cause kidney damage. The infection can lead to inflammation and injury to the kidneys. If not treated promptly, this kidney damage can become severe and result in long-term kidney problems.

Can you treat Urosepsis at home?

Urosepsis is a critical medical emergency that cannot be treated at home. It requires urgent medical intervention and hospitalization. Attempting to treat it at home can lead to life-threatening complications. If you suspect urosepsis, seek immediate medical help.

Citations:
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.