Imagine this: you feel a slight discomfort in your lower back, brush it off as a minor issue, and carry on with your day. A few days later, you find yourself with fever, chills, and excruciating pain. Before you know it, you’re in a hospital bed being treated for sepsis, all from what started as a simple kidney infection. 

It’s a frightening scenario, but understanding how quickly a kidney infection can turn into something more severe—like sepsis—could be life-saving. Let’s dive into what happens when kidney infections escalate and how to prevent it from turning into a medical emergency.

What is a kidney infection?

A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that typically begins in the bladder or urethra and moves upward to one or both kidneys.

The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste from your blood and removing it from your body through urine. When bacteria—usually E. coli—travel up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, it can cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort.

Read more: What Does Kidney Pain Feel Like?

How fast can a kidney infection escalate?

The speed at which a kidney infection turns into sepsis varies depending on several factors, such as the individual’s:

In healthy adults, it might take a few days for the infection to spread. However, in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those with underlying health conditions, it can progress much faster.

In some cases, sepsis can develop within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of severe symptoms, especially if medical intervention is delayed. Recognising the early warning signs is crucial for getting ahead of this potentially deadly situation.

Recognising the symptoms of sepsis

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It occurs when an infection, like a kidney infection, triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Here are the key signs to watch out for:

If any of these symptoms appear while you’re battling a kidney infection, you must seek medical attention immediately. Sepsis is a medical emergency, and the quicker you receive treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can develop sepsis from a kidney infection, some groups are at higher risk. If you fall into one of these categories, you’ll need to be particularly vigilant about seeking treatment early:

How can you prevent kidney infections from turning into sepsis?

The good news is that most kidney infections are highly treatable when caught early. The key to preventing complications is swift action. If you suspect you have a kidney infection—whether you’re experiencing pain in your lower back, a burning sensation when urinating, or other symptoms—don’t wait. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

Treatment for sepsis

If a kidney infection progresses to sepsis, aggressive treatment is essential. Sepsis treatment typically involves hospitalisation, where you’ll receive intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care to stabilise your body’s functions. The longer sepsis goes untreated, the greater the risk of organ failure and death, which is why quick action is so critical.

Why you shouldn’t wait

Kidney infections can escalate rapidly, and the progression to sepsis is nothing short of alarming. Even if you think the infection is manageable, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional at the earliest signs. Not only can early treatment stop the infection in its tracks, but it could also save your life. So, don’t ignore the warning signs—when it comes to your health, time is of the essence.

Infections like those affecting the kidneys can escalate with alarming speed, but by staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, you can greatly reduce your risk of complications.

Remember, acting early isn’t just about preventing discomfort—it’s about safeguarding your long-term health. Be sure to act swiftly, take symptoms seriously, and never underestimate the potential danger of untreated infections.