Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a pebble. While many pass without intervention, they can cause intense pain and lead to serious complications, including sepsis. Sepsis is a severe, potentially life-threatening response to an infection.
How Kidney Stones Can Lead to Sepsis
Kidney stones can obstruct the normal flow of urine, creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. When a stone blocks the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, urine can back up into the kidney, a condition known as hydronephrosis. This stagnant urine becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) that ascends to the kidney, leading to a kidney infection called pyelonephritis.
If this kidney infection is not promptly addressed, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia. Once in the bloodstream, the body’s immune system can trigger a widespread inflammatory response. This systemic reaction, known as sepsis, is an overwhelming response where chemicals released to fight the infection damage tissues and organs throughout the body.
Recognizing Sepsis Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of sepsis is important for anyone with kidney stones, as early identification can affect outcomes. While kidney stones cause severe, cramping pain in the side or back, sepsis presents with more widespread symptoms. A high fever and chills are common indicators, often accompanied by a rapid heart rate and rapid breathing.
A person developing sepsis might also experience confusion or disorientation, extreme pain, and potentially low blood pressure. Other signs include clammy or sweaty skin, or a general feeling of being unwell or lethargic. These symptoms indicate the infection has spread beyond the urinary tract.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Knowing when to seek urgent medical care for kidney stone symptoms can significantly affect health outcomes. If kidney stone pain is accompanied by a fever, especially one higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or chills, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms often signal a kidney infection that could progress to sepsis.
Immediate care is also necessary if there is an inability to pass urine, a burning sensation during urination, or if the urine appears cloudy or foul-smelling. Worsening pain not relieved by medication, or persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents fluid intake, are also reasons to go to an emergency room. Delaying care in these situations can allow an infection to spread, increasing the risk of severe complications like sepsis.
Treatment and Prevention of Sepsis
Treating sepsis caused by kidney stones involves several immediate medical interventions. Intravenous antibiotics are administered quickly to combat the bacterial infection throughout the body. Simultaneously, it is important to relieve the obstruction and drain any infected urine from the kidney. This drainage can be achieved by placing a ureteral stent or a nephrostomy tube.
Once the infection is under control and the obstruction is relieved, the kidney stone itself can be addressed, often through procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or surgical removal. Preventing sepsis in kidney stone patients involves prompt management of any urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration helps prevent stone formation and aids in the passage of smaller stones, reducing the chance of blockages. Regular medical follow-ups for known kidney stones are also important to monitor their size and position, allowing for early intervention if a stone begins to cause obstruction or infection.