Urinary tract infections are some of the most common ailments among Australians, accounting for 1.2% of all general practice consultations. Although UTIs are fairly easy to treat, many people still choose to ignore the signs and symptoms thinking that they would go away on their own.
Unfortunately, UTIs can progress to more serious complications when left untreated. Here’s what happens when a UTI gets complicated:
- UTI in people with diabetes. According to studies, women with diabetes have a higher risk for UTI complications which is why it’s crucial to diagnose and treat UTIs right away before they progress into more serious kidney infections and even kidney failure in the long run.
- Sepsis. If a UTI is left untreated, the infection could spread to the kidneys and even progress into a deadly infection of the blood called sepsis. This happens when the body’s natural defences cannot fight the severe infection anymore, causing the organs to shut down and eventually lead to death. Sepsis is one of the worst UTI complications, but those affected can prevent it with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
- Permanent kidney damage. A UTI can be treated easily, even when you’re at home. On the first signs of an infection, take medications that you can buy OTC. UTI tablets are effective in keeping the problem from getting worse. If you don’t do anything about it, the infection could cause long-term damage to your kidneys, leading to scarring, hypertension, and other complications.
- UTIs in men. Although men have a much lower risk of getting a UTI than women, an infection is usually a sign of a more serious problem like a urinary stone or enlarged prostate. A trip to the doctor is necessary if you’re experiencing one or more of the signs and symptoms of a UTI to rule out possible medical conditions. Long-term treatment is required for prostate-based infections, but you’ll have a better prognosis if you start treatment right away.
- UTIs in pregnant women. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to develop UTIs during their pregnancy. The infection should be treated right away to prevent serious complications to both the mother and baby, including the risk for premature birth, hypertension, anemia, and low birth weight.
If you’re pregnant and you’ve been experiencing the signs and symptoms of UTI, make sure to have yourself checked as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
While UTIs can lead to serious complications if not addressed right away, you can always stock up on some essential medications to ensure that you have them when someone at home experiences an infection. It’s also highly recommended to switch to a healthier lifestyle so that you can keep your kidneys healthy for a longer time. A good diet includes eating healthy, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and making sure that you avoid food and drinks that cause damage to your kidneys and urinary tract.