Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, according to medical industry statistics. They affect both men and women worldwide. Urinary tract infections are responsible for more than 10 million doctor visits annually.
As many as one in every four people will develop a UTI more than once in their lifetime. What happens if you ignore UTI symptoms? How does delaying a doctor's appointment affect your health if you have had a urinary tract infection for a while?
What Happens If You Ignore UTI Symptoms?
Urinary tract infections are painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes easy to spot. However, they are unfortunately not the type of infection that will go away on their own. Therefore, to treat UTIs, you will require the supervision of a qualified doctor.
Recurring UTI Symptoms
A UTI happens when bacteria enter through the urethra and then inflame the urinary tract. It is called cystitis when it becomes a bladder infection.
A quarter of women have reported recurring urinary tract infections during studies. The same is estimated for men. UTIs are one of the most common infections in humans. Bacteria are all around us – therefore, they are likely to affect one of the most sensitive body parts of the human body.
UTIs can occur while in the hospital as a result of long-term catheter use. It is referred to as a complex infection.
The Symptoms of a UTI
According to MayoClinic, some of the first symptoms one might experience are difficulty or a strong urge to urinate. This may come with discomfort or pain when emptying their bladder. Most people describe this first symptom of a UTI as a burning sensation.
Other symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include drastic changes in the color of your urine. A UTI might even present a small amount of blood in the urine in cases where the infection has become more advanced.
Lower back pain is also a common symptom of infections in the urinary system. However, this UTI symptom is often one that people (and doctors) can mistake for another cause.
Advanced urinary tract infections share some of the same symptoms as seen with advanced infections. Examples of this can be a high fever and eventual delirium.
Infections that start as UTIs can progress further into the body if left untreated for a long period. If the initial infection is not treated correctly or at all, these infections can turn into bladder infections. And result in permanent kidney damage.
Antibiotics for Treatment
Most urinary tract infections are common and easy to fix. A simple course of antibiotics prescribed by your medical provider is all that is usually needed.
Antibiotics can be enough to kill off most of the bacteria that caused the UTI and will stop any further symptoms before they are allowed to progress.
However, a urinary tract infection that has been left untreated can lead to more serious risk factors and complications. An untreated UTI is likely to become a bladder or kidney infection. It can affect the kidneys, ureter, and bladder and lead to worse conditions.
A UTI Left Untreated
If you leave a UTI untreated, it can even lead to blood infection in much more advanced cases.
This can require more than antibiotics to fix. Serious and long-term issues such as a potential rupture of the bladder lining – can require surgery.
Bladder infection (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-NIDDK)
Scheduling an appointment with your general practitioner or a urologist in the early stages is ideal. Advanced infections need specialized care. Contact your local medical professional.
Do you think you might have a urinary tract, bladder, or kidney infection? Or do you need information on how to prevent UTIs? If so, then contact a local urology clinic immediately. Get antibiotics and start taking them as soon as possible, or you could be taking a huge long-term health risk.
Additional Information:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Children
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Adults
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