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Complications of a Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection can occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the ureters, kidneys, bladder or urethra. Women are at greater risk of a urinary tract infection because the urethra is shorter in women and closer to the anus than in men. When treated properly and in a timely manner, most urinary tract infections subside, but if left untreated they can lead to serious complications.

  1. Pyelonephritis

    • A serious complication of a UTI is pyelonephritis, which results in damage and scarring of the kidney tissues. Although the kidney's filter system is pretty big, it is not infinite. If there is enough damage to the kidney's filtering system, waste products within the body are not removed correctly and kidney failure develops.

    Urethritis

    • Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, also can be a complication of a urinary tract infection. With prompt treatment and diagnosis, urethritis resolves quickly. However, urethral stricture (narrowing) may result from scarring and can lead to urethral damage if not detected early.

    Kidney Stones

    • Special enzyme-secreting bacteria that elevate the ammonia level found in urine may cause some urinary tract infections, leading to kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and require prompt medical care.

    Urinary Tract Infection Complications during Pregnancy

    • Infections of any type during pregnancy can cause health risks for the mother and baby. If a urinary tract infection develops in the mother and is not treated promptly, pyelonephritis can result, increasing the chances of premature labor and birth, infant death and kidney failure.

    Sepsis

    • Sepsis can occur when the infection in the urinary tract spreads from the original site to the bloodstream. This is a very serious complication that can lead to low blood pressure, multisystem organ failure and death. Additional information about urinary tract infections and associated complications can be found on the Urology Channel website.

    Obstruction

    • Severe urinary tract infections may cause obstruction that results in sepsis or widespread, life-threatening infection. Patients who develop urinary tract infections in the hospital have a much greater risk of developing these types of serious infections. Monitoring urine output and fluid intake is a key tool used by health care professionals to assess overall kidney function.

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