Patients expect to receive the best care possible when visiting a doctor, urgent care, or hospital. However, while medical professionals undergo extensive training, especially when it comes to surgery and treatment, even doctors and nurses can make very serious mistakes that can result in injuries to a patient. One potentially serious injury is kidney issues, which can have devastating consequences. If you believe that a suspected UTI led to your kidney issues due to inadequate treatment or misdiagnosis, please contact our compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Erin Marshall Law at (505) 218-9949 to review your case today.
What Is an Urinary Tract Infection?
When bacteria move into the urinary tract, it has the potential to multiply, leading to an inflammatory response and irritation, which can manifest as a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can affect various parts of the tract, including the bladder, ureters, urethra, or kidneys,
Although UTIs can affect anyone, including children, they tend to be more prevalent in women, with statistics from the National Library of Medicine indicating that almost 40% of all females may experience at least one urinary tract infection in their lives.
What Are the Different Causes of a UTI?
UTIs primarily result from bacteria invading and multiplying in the urinary tract. Generally, the bacteria most likely to cause UTIs include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. These bacteria originate from the colon and may get into the urinary system through the urethra, leading to infection and subsequent symptoms, including urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort.
Risk Factors That Can Lead To a UTI
Numerous factors can significantly elevate an individual’s probability of getting a urinary tract infection. However, some of the most common risk factors tend to include the following:
A Person’s Age and Gender
Females are more likely to experience urinary tract infections than men because they have a shorter urethra, meaning bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to get to the bladder. Moreover, UTI risk tends to increase with age, especially in postmenopausal women. This is because hormonal changes during menopause can lead to thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissues, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and cause an infection.
Sexual Intercourse
Sexual activity can result in bacteria entering the body, potentially raising the chances of developing urinary tract infections. Females who have recently started a new relationship or are sexually active may have a greater risk of UTIs because of the heightened exposure to bacteria during sexual intercourse.
Catheter Use
Urinary catheter users, including hospital patients, face an enhanced risk of urinary tract infections because of the potential bacteria introduction during the catheterization process.
A Poor Immune System
Those with compromised immune systems, including those with uncontrolled diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections. When the immune system is weakened, the body’s ability to fend off bacterial, viral, or fungal infections is impaired, making these individuals more susceptible to UTIs. As a result, these individuals may need to be extra vigilant about UTI symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if they suspect an infection, as UTIs can potentially escalate more quickly and lead to more severe complications in these vulnerable populations.
Urinary Retention
When the bladder is not completely empty, it can create an environment that results in bacteria growing and multiplying, escalating the risk of urinary tract infections. Some ailments that can lead to urinary retention, or the inability to fully empty the bladder, include an enlarged prostate, nerve damage, and constipation. These factors can impede the normal flow of urine, leading to incomplete emptying and potentially fostering the development of harmful bacteria.
Do UTIs Result in Kidney Issues?
Urinary tract infections can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. If left untreated or improperly managed, UTIs can lead to serious complications. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), an untreated or inadequately treated UTI can progress from the bladder to the kidneys, resulting in a more severe infection known as pyelonephritis. This condition can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, back or side pain, and vomiting and may lead to long-term kidney damage if not promptly treated. In rare cases, the bacteria causing the UTI can enter the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention and aggressive treatment to prevent organ failure and death.
It is critical to seek medical care for a suspected UTI to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. However, If you feel that your UTI was not adequately treated or was misdiagnosed, leading to kidney issues, please contact Erin Marshall Law today. You can speak with our experienced New Mexico personal injury and birth injury law attorney about your case.
Symptoms of a UTI
Most UTIs primarily affect the lower part of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. Common symptoms of UTIs in this area may include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent or intense urge to urinate
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Feeling tired or unwell
An infection that ascends the ureters and reaches the kidneys is generally more serious. Although similar symptoms can occur, a child with this condition may exhibit a more severe illness accompanied by a fever (sometimes with shaking chills), pain in the side or back, extreme fatigue, or vomiting. Additionally, if you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Worsening symptoms that do not improve after two to three days of starting antibiotic treatment
- Kidney infection signs, including high fever accompanied by chills, vomiting, nausea, and severe back or side pain
- Sepsis signs, including a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure
Contact Erin Marshall Law To Review Your Kidney Issue Case Today
If a suspected UTI led to your kidney issues due to improper treatment or misdiagnosis, please contact Erin Marshall Law at (505) 218-9949 to discuss your legal options with an experienced New Mexico personal injury and birth injury law attorney.
