A urinary tract infection (UTI), which often begins with pain during urination or frequent trips to the toilet, can become life-threatening if it spreads and triggers sepsis, a condition in which the body’s response to an infection can damage its own tissues and organs, potentially causing organ failure and death.
UTI is an infection that happens when bacteria enter and multiply in any part of the urinary system.
Prof Moses Obimbo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, says that the danger lies in allowing the infection to progress without appropriate treatment.
“Patients with symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination and pain below the belly button, sometimes accompanied by fever, need to be treated early,” says Prof Obimbo.
The urinary system comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. UTIs can affect any of these parts, although most begin in the bladder. Prof Obimbo notes that bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, but fungi can also cause them, while viral infections are rare.
When an infection spreads from the urinary tract, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis. The body’s response to the infection can damage tissues and organs, disrupting their normal functions. Prof Obimbo says that severe cases can lead to organ failure and death.
“The infection can travel from the bladder upwards to the kidneys, causing a condition known as pyelonephritis,” says Prof Obimbo.
“From there, it enters the bloodstream. And then, from the bloodstream, it spreads throughout the body.”
A bladder infection, known as cystitis, can cause a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate and pain in the lower abdomen. When the kidneys become infected, a patient may develop a fever, back or side pain, vomiting and a loss of appetite.
Prof Obimbo notes that urinary symptoms can be confused with those of vaginal or sexually transmitted infections. He warns that these conditions should not be treated interchangeably, as their causes and treatments differ.
“People tend to confuse the three conditions. But they are very different,” he says. “A proper assessment helps establish what is causing the symptoms and whether treatment for a UTI is needed.”
He clarifies that not every UTI progresses to sepsis. However, a kidney infection can become serious, especially if treatment is delayed. Symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, faintness or collapse may signal a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care.
The likelihood of complications can be higher in people whose bodies have difficulty fighting infection or who have underlying health conditions.
Prof Obimbo says that weakened immunity and diabetes are the risk factors that can make a UTI more difficult to manage.
“If a patient has low immunity for one reason or another, or if they are diabetic or have other health conditions, then a urinary tract infection can easily spread very quickly,” he says.
Pregnant women also require prompt assessment if they experience urinary symptoms, as UTIs during pregnancy can lead to complications if left untreated.
“People who have difficulty emptying their bladder or who have an obstruction in the urinary tract may also develop persistent or complicated infections,” says Prof Obimbo.
Some people try to manage urinary symptoms at home, including drinking water mixed with baking soda. However, Prof Obimbo warns that baking soda is not an established treatment for bacterial UTIs and should not replace a medical assessment.
“They are not part of mainstream medical practice,” he says.
“The danger is that they have not been subjected to rigorous testing processes. It is not advisable to treat the infection at home because it can quickly become complicated,” says Prof Obimbo.
While drinking water helps to maintain hydration, it does not clear a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics. Pain relief can ease discomfort without treating the underlying infection.
Similarly, taking leftover antibiotics or buying them without appropriate medical advice can also result in inappropriate treatment.
Prof Obimbo stresses that a person with a suspected UTI should visit a health facility for assessment.
“A urine test can help establish whether an infection is present, while a urine culture (a laboratory test that detects bacteria or yeast in a urine sample) can identify the responsible bacteria and help guide antibiotic choice,” he says.
“The patient should go to hospital to confirm that they actually have a UTI through a urine test,” he says.
He adds that laboratory findings can help determine the treatment regimen. “Once this has been tested and confirmed, you can then develop a treatment regimen based on the culture or the kind of findings that have been obtained at the hospital.”
After confirming that it is a UTI, the infection is generally treated with antibiotics. However, the choice of medicine and the length of the treatment depend on the infection, the patient’s health, and, where available, the laboratory findings. Social media is awash with home remedies, including baking soda and garlic, but experts warn that these methods are ineffective at clearing the infection.
“Patients should take their prescribed medication as directed and seek further medical advice if their symptoms persist or worsen,” advises Prof Obimbo.
If the infection progresses to sepsis, he says that treatment becomes an emergency, and the patient may require hospital admission and the administration of antibiotics through a vein, as well as intravenous fluids and close monitoring of organ function.
