If you have any of the below symptoms, it is important that you be checked out to ensure your infection is not deteriorating:
- Fever/ high or low body temperature
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
- Pain in your lower back, where your kidneys are located
- Rapid heart rate/ abnormal heart function
- Difficulty in breathing/ fast breathing
- Inability to think clearly
- Shakes and shivers
It is very important that you receive treatment for urosepsis as it can cause serious lifelong issues or even cause death. If left untreated, urosepsis can develop into septic shock, causing your blood pressure to drop very low and start shutting down your organs. It is important that you seek medical attention before it gets to this stage. The cause of urosepsis is usually linked to a UTI that has not been treated.
People who are at a higher risk of developing urosepsis include:
- Older adults
- People with a weak immune system
- People with an injury or wound to the area
- People who have indwelling urinary devices (i.e a catheter)
To diagnose urosepsis, your doctor will test a urine sample to see if there is bacteria present. If this is positive it is likely you will be sent for other tests such as blood test and/or CT scan. After diagnosis your doctor will decide the best treatment option for you and you may need to be admitted to hospital.
