A kidney stone is a hard deposit that forms in the kidneys from minerals and salts in the urine. These stones can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to, rarely, the size of a golf ball. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme, overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. A lodged kidney stone can lead to sepsis, a serious potential complication.
How Kidney Stones Can Lead to Sepsis
A kidney stone can become lodged in the urinary tract, particularly in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. This blockage prevents urine from draining properly, causing it to back up into the kidney. This condition, known as hydronephrosis, results in swelling of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine. Stagnant urine within the obstructed urinary system creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. This bacterial growth can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
If this infection is left untreated, bacteria can ascend from the bladder into the kidney, causing a more severe kidney infection called pyelonephritis. Kidney stones can further complicate this, as stones provide a protected habitat for bacteria, making infections harder to clear. Should these bacteria from the infected kidney enter the bloodstream, bacteremia occurs. This systemic spread of infection can then trigger the body’s extreme inflammatory response, escalating to sepsis.
Key Symptoms to Monitor
Recognizing symptoms of a complicated kidney stone is important, as they often signal infection. Such signs include persistent, severe pain in the lower back or side, which may radiate to the groin. Fever and chills are common, along with nausea and vomiting. Urine might appear cloudy or have a foul smell, and painful urination can occur. These symptoms indicate that the stone is causing more than just typical pain and may be accompanied by obstruction or infection.
If these symptoms progress or new, more generalized signs appear, it could indicate sepsis, requiring immediate attention. Sepsis symptoms include a high fever or, conversely, a low body temperature, accompanied by shivering. Confusion or disorientation, extreme pain or discomfort, and clammy or sweaty skin are significant indicators. Rapid heart rate and rapid breathing are additional signs that the body is in distress due to a systemic infection. These symptoms can develop quickly and warrant urgent medical evaluation.
Prompt Medical Intervention
Immediate emergency medical attention is crucial if sepsis symptoms appear alongside kidney stone discomfort. Upon arrival, healthcare providers perform a physical examination and order blood tests to check for infection markers and assess organ function. Urine tests identify infection signs and stone-forming crystals. Imaging studies, such as CT scans or ultrasound, locate the stone and determine obstruction.
Treatment for sepsis caused by a kidney stone focuses on two main goals: combating the infection and relieving the obstruction. Antibiotics are administered, often broad-spectrum, to target the bacterial infection. Concurrently, procedures drain the kidney and relieve obstruction, often involving a ureteral stent or percutaneous nephrostomy tube. These interventions restore urine flow, allowing the kidney to function properly and aiding infection resolution. Early and aggressive treatment significantly improves outcomes for patients experiencing this serious complication.