Urinary tract infection (UTI) can usually be easily managed by medicines. But, if untreated, it can lead to serious complications like:
- Kidney infection (Pyelonephritis): It occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder, via ureters to kidneys. Pyelonephritis has the potential of causing permanent damage to kidneys.
- Blood poisoning (Sepsis): It is one of the fatal complications of kidney infection which occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect different organs.
- Kidney failure: In adults, recurrent UTIs may cause scarring in the kidneys, leading to permanent damage and failure.
- Pregnancy-related: In pregnancy, UTI can affect both mother and fetus causing high blood pressure and premature birth respectively.