Signs of Ureteral Stent Infection: What You Need to Know

Ureteral stents are medical devices used to ensure urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, particularly when this pathway is obstructed. While crucial for patient health, these stents can sometimes lead to infections, posing health risks if not identified and treated promptly.

Recognizing signs of infection is essential for timely intervention. This article explores symptoms that may indicate a ureteral stent infection and guides you on when to seek medical advice for further evaluation and treatment.

Typical Discomfort

Patients with a ureteral stent often experience discomfort, which varies among individuals due to factors like stent size, placement, and anatomy. Common discomforts include a feeling of pressure or fullness in the bladder, often described as a dull ache that may intensify during physical activities or when the bladder is full.

Flank pain, a discomfort felt in the side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back, can also occur. This pain is typically due to the stent’s irritation of the ureter, potentially leading to spasms and sharp or cramping pain.

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is another common discomfort. This occurs as the stent rubs against the urinary tract lining, causing minor bleeding. While alarming, it is usually not concerning unless accompanied by severe pain or fever. Increasing fluid intake can help flush out the urinary system and reduce blood concentration in the urine.

Urinary Changes

Urinary changes are noticeable signs that may indicate a ureteral stent infection, affecting the color, sensation, and frequency of urination.

Changes In Color

A primary urinary change suggesting infection is altered urine color. Typically pale yellow, urine may become cloudy or darker with infection due to pus or increased white blood cells. Cloudy urine is a common symptom in urinary tract infections, including those with ureteral stents. Patients should report unusual urine color changes to their healthcare provider for further investigation.

Painful Urination

Dysuria, or painful urination, is another symptom associated with a ureteral stent infection. Often described as a burning or stinging sensation, this discomfort is caused by inflammation of the urinary tract lining. Dysuria in individuals with ureteral stents should prompt consideration of an infectious cause. Patients experiencing this should seek medical advice to prevent infection progression and alleviate discomfort.

Frequent Urgency

Frequent urgency to urinate, even when the bladder is not full, can indicate a ureteral stent infection. This symptom arises from bladder wall irritation and inflammation, potentially exacerbated by bacteria. Increased urinary frequency is common in lower urinary tract infections, including those with stents. Patients noticing a sudden increase in urgency should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

Systemic Signs

Systemic signs can also indicate a ureteral stent infection, reflecting the body’s broader response to infection.

Fever Or Chills

Fever or chills are common systemic indicators of infection, including those associated with ureteral stents. Fever is the body’s response to infection, creating an environment less favorable for bacterial growth. Patients with a ureteral stent who experience sudden fever or chills should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Persistent fever can indicate a more serious infection, such as pyelonephritis, requiring prompt treatment.

Nausea Or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting can also be systemic signs of a ureteral stent infection. These symptoms may occur as the body reacts to bacteria and inflammation. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, are not uncommon in urinary tract infections, especially when the infection has spread beyond the urinary system. Persistent nausea or vomiting should prompt medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Fatigue

Fatigue may accompany a ureteral stent infection, resulting from the body’s increased energy expenditure in fighting the infection. Persistent fatigue can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. Patients with unexplained fatigue should consider consulting their healthcare provider to assess for possible infection.

Diagnostic Indicators

Identifying a ureteral stent infection requires clinical assessment and diagnostic testing. Healthcare providers often start with a detailed patient history and physical examination to identify symptoms suggesting infection. Laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, are used to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Urinalysis examines urine for signs of infection, such as white blood cells, bacteria, or nitrites. Urine cultures can identify the specific bacteria responsible, allowing for targeted antibiotic therapy.

When To Consult A Professional

Recognizing when to seek professional medical advice is crucial for managing a ureteral stent infection. While some discomfort is expected with a stent, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider. Severe pain, especially if escalating beyond usual discomfort, is a significant indicator that medical advice is needed. Systemic signs, such as sustained fever or chills, also warrant immediate attention, as they may point to a more serious infection. Healthcare providers can perform necessary diagnostic tests to determine if an infection is present and recommend an appropriate course of action.