Know signs of urinary tract infection, sepsis

Actress Tanya Roberts passed away last month last in Los Angeles at the age of 65, with reports suggesting she died after getting a urinary tract infection. She was known for her roles known in the James Bond film A View to a Kill as well as TV shows such as Charlie’s Angels and That 70s Show.

Roberts was rushed to hospital on Dec. 24 after she came home from walking her dog and collapsed. Her publicist told media that Roberts’ infection “spread to her kidney, gallbladder, liver and then bloodstream.”

The star’s death has raised concerned about urinary tract infections, which are relatively common, and whether they can frequently lead to more serious problems such as sepsis, or even death. Here’s what we know.

Also known as a bladder infection, UTIs are largely caused by bacteria that enters the urethra and then bladder. It can then spread to the kidneys. Women are more likely to develop UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man’s, making it easier to get infected. Some symptoms include cloudy, foul-smelling urine, pain during urination, cramping, and the need to pee frequently.

People who are pregnant, over the age of 65, have diabetes, kidney stones, bladder issues, an enlarged prostate or are immobile for long periods of time are at risk of infection.

Many, many people get UTIs. According to the Urology Care Foundation, UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body in the U.S.: 10 in 25 women and three in 25 men will have symptoms of a UTI during their lifetime. According to the Kidney Foundation, Canadian women make about 500,000 visits to doctors per year due to UTIs.

Prevention tips from the foundation include peeing after sex, wiping front to back, drinking plenty of water and, if you’re prone to infections, avoiding irritants such as douches, bubble baths and bath oils.

Some doctors will test the urine to make sure it is in fact a UTI and not a sexually transmitted infection, or to identify the specific type of bacteria involved. The Canadian Women’s Health Network notes that patients with UTIs are often given antibiotics. Health experts say patients should always finish their complete prescription, even if they’re feeling better. If they don’t, any lingering bacteria can spread and cause another infection.

UTIs can become more serious if they spread to the kidneys. Seek urgent care if experiencing symptoms such as: chills and shaking or night sweats; fever; pain in the side, back, or groin; mental changes or confusion; nausea and vomiting. Or if the symptoms don’t improve within two to four weeks of treatment, according to Dr. Brett Belchetz.

The Sepsis Alliance explains that if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause sepsis, an illness where the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria: “People shouldn’t die from a UTI, but if sepsis begins to take over and develops to severe sepsis and then to septic shock, this is exactly what can happen. More than half the cases of urosepsis among older adults are caused by a UTI.”