Urosepsis Symptoms: Key Warning Signs and Complications

When a bacterial infection from the urethra and bladder affects the kidneys, it can lead to Urosepsis. 

25% of all global sepsis cases are due to Urosepsis.

If you feel pain while peeing, are feverish, or feel confused at most times, you may have Urosepsis.

This article will guide you to learn and understand all the Urosepsis signs and symptoms.

You will also learn whether you are at risk and the importance of prompt treatment. 

Symptoms of Urosepsis

When a UTI is left untreated, it can lead to Urosepsis (sepsis of the urinary tract).

It usually develops when the UTI affects the ureters and the kidneys. 

When a UTI becomes complicated and proceeds towards sepsis, there are various symptoms that you may experience. 

Your symptoms depend on how severe your infection is and the area it has spread to. 

The prominent Urosepsis symptoms are:

Abnormal body temperature

A fever is often the first Urosepsis sign, which you may suddenly develop.

Your body temperature might rise over 101°F. 

You may get chills and shiver because of feeling cold. 

Fever and chills are signs that your body is trying to fight the infection. 

Interestingly, your body temperature may also become lower than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases.

Low Blood Pressure

When someone has Urosepsis, a drop in blood pressure is often observed, accompanied by heavy perspiration. 

Low Blood Pressure can also make you feel dizzy or become unresponsive.

Douleur

You may have severe lower back pain (on the sides), pain near the kidney, and lower abdomen (in the pelvic region). 

There might also be pain during urination. 

But these are all the symptoms and do not necessarily mean you will have them all together.

Abnormal respiratory rate

One of the symptoms of Urosepsis is an abnormal respiratory rate that becomes more than 22 breaths/minute. 

This is known as Tachycardia, which often results in the heartbeat becoming rapid. 

The rapid heartbeat indicates that your body is trying to fight the infection and is under stress.

Nausée

You may often feel nauseous if you have Urosepsis. 

Nausea and the infection can make you feel extremely tired throughout the day, even after a good night’s sleep.

Confusion

Urosepis can affect the brain, too, especially in elderly patients.

It can make you feel anxious or have difficulty thinking clearly.

Unfortunately, Urosepsis can cause an altered mental state, affect your clarity, and disorient you.

Severe Urosepsis symptoms

Urosepsis should not be left untreated because it is a serious condition. 

It can develop into severe complications affecting life, such as

A weak pulse

Apart from a high heart rate, one of the severe symptoms of Urosepsis is having a weak pulse, medically known as Bradycardia. 

The heart rate becomes slower than normal in certain cases of Urosepsis.

No urination

In severe Urosepsis, you might find a diminuer in your urine output. 

Other than less urine production, it can also be dark or cloudy.

Organ failure

Urosepsis has the potential to cause organ failure. 

Renal dysfunction or kidney failure is a major concern when UTI or Urosepsis spreads to the kidneys. 

There can be pus formation near the kidney or prostate. 

The infection can also cause kidney scarring.

Septic shock

A patient with severe Urosepsis can développer septic shock following Hypotension. 

Septic shock is the third stage of Urosepsis and the last of any sepsis.

It can be fatal, the mortality rate being between 30 to 40%.

Low platelet count

Any severe sepsis can cause Thrombocytopenia or the platelet count to fall. 

The low platelet count peut être accompanied by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). 

It is a blood-clotting disorder where blood clotting happens throughout the body.

Respiratory issues

One of the severe symptoms is difficulty in breathing, which happens when Urosepsis affects the lungs. 

Your breathing may become labored as you experience shortness of breath.

Quand consulter un médecin

Understanding and recognizing the warning signs is important to avoid serious complications. 

Urosepsis begins with a UTI and can worsen rapidly if left untreated.

Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect you have a UTI.

If you experience any symptoms of Urosepsis, like abnormal body temperature, confusion, nausea, or urinary issues, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency ward. 

Not seeking medical attention immediately can make the infection life-threatening. 

Once the infection spreads to your bloodstream, you may face septic shock or organ failure. 

Conclusion

Knowing the Urosepsis symptoms will help you detect the chances of developing it at the earliest.

You must consult the doctor if you experience any symptoms, such as fever, chills, urinary issues, difficulty thinking clearly, etc.

Furthermore, if you are someone who has any risk factor, such as Diabetes, or has experienced a UTI recently, you must be extra careful.

It is advisable to consult a doctor if your UTI symptoms worsen and you start noticing the signs of infection, as mentioned earlier.

Remember, Urosepsis is not something you can manage at home without medical intervention.

Questions fréquemment posées

• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• my.clevelandclinic.org
• the-cma.org.uk