What Are Complicated Urinary Tract Infections and Why Are They Dangerous?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. While most UTIs are simple and can be treated easily by virtual doctors online through antibiotic prescriptions, some UTIs are more complicated and can pose a greater risk to your health.

Let’s discuss complicated UTIs and why they are dangerous.

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, Causes, & Risk Factors

Simple UTIs become complicated UTIs when the underlying infection is caused by a bacterial strain that is resistant to multiple antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.

These types of infections can occur when you have underlying medical conditions that make it harder for your body to fight off the infection. These include conditions like kidney stones, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland.

Complicated urinary tract infections can also occur in people who have a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy.

However, one of the most common causes of complicated UTIs is the presence of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Other risk factors for complicated UTIs include being elderly, being female, having a history of simple UTIs, and having a catheter in place.

Dangers & Difficulties of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

One of the primary dangers of complicated UTIs is that they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. For example, the infection can spread to your kidneys, which can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure in severe cases.

The infection can also spread to your bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Apart from the potential danger for serious complications, complicated urinary tract infections can also be more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Because the bacteria that cause complicated UTIs are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, health care professionals and virtual doctors may need to use more aggressive treatments.

This may include intravenous antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics, to clear the infection. These treatments can be more expensive and can have greater side effects than the standard treatments for simple UTIs.

Diagnosis is also more difficult with complicated urinary tract infections, mainly because the symptoms can be less obvious than with simple UTIs.

While simple UTIs typically cause symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and a feeling of urgency to urinate, complicated UTIs may cause more vague symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.

 

Preventing Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

Good hygiene is key to preventing complicated UTIs. However, if you experience the symptoms of a UTI, you must seek medical attention, especially if you have a history of UTIs or if you have an underlying medical condition that puts you at risk for complicated UTIs.

Consult with your healthcare professional or get a virtual doctor consultation about ways to reduce your risk, such as taking preventive antibiotics or avoiding certain triggers that can lead to UTIs.

If an infection persists, it is best to call TelMDCare at 800-230-2050, to set up a virtual doctor appointment for the best virtual doctor consultation.

With proper guidance, treatment, and care, most people with complicated UTIs can recover fully and avoid serious complications.