A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply within any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are common, affecting millions annually, with women particularly susceptible. While often starting in the lower urinary tract, prompt treatment of a UTI is important to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe health issues. Ignoring initial signs can lead to a progression of symptoms and serious complications.
Worsening Bladder Symptoms
When a UTI remains untreated, initial bladder symptoms often intensify. The frequent and urgent need to urinate becomes more pronounced, often accompanied by a more severe burning sensation or pain during urination. The urine itself may appear cloudier, develop a stronger foul odor, or even contain visible blood.
Individuals may also experience increased pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. As bacteria grow, inflammation within the bladder lining worsens, leading to more debilitating symptoms.
Infection Reaches the Kidneys
If a bladder infection is not addressed, bacteria can ascend the ureters, the tubes connecting the bladder to the kidneys, leading to a kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis. This upward spread is a more serious condition. Symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever and chills, indicating a systemic response.
Pain often develops in the lower back or flank area, which is the region around the kidneys, and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. These symptoms differentiate a kidney infection from a simple bladder infection. If pyelonephritis is left untreated, it can lead to lasting kidney damage.
Spread to the Bloodstream
The most severe complication of an untreated urinary tract infection is when the infection enters the bloodstream, a condition known as urosepsis, which can progress to septic shock. This occurs when bacteria, often from an untreated kidney infection, overwhelm the body’s defenses and spread throughout the body. Sepsis is a life-threatening response where the body’s immune system damages its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms of urosepsis include high or paradoxically low body temperature, along with chills. Other signs involve a rapid heart rate and breathing, confusion, slurred speech, and a drop in blood pressure. This condition is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and aggressive treatment to prevent organ failure and fatal outcomes.
Potential Chronic Health Concerns
Beyond the acute dangers, recurrent or severely untreated urinary tract infections can lead to several long-term health issues. Individuals may experience repeated UTIs, where infections frequently return. Chronic kidney disease can develop from repeated damage due to persistent or severe infections, potentially impairing their filtering ability.
In some cases, the inflammation and infection can cause permanent scarring of kidney tissue, which may contribute to kidney dysfunction. While less common in industrialized nations due to improved healthcare, untreated UTIs can contribute to conditions like chronic kidney disease or, in rare instances, end-stage renal disease, which necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant.