tanya roberts dies after uti. know the signs of sepsis

urinary tract infections are relatively common, but symptoms and treatment should be taken seriously.

by monika warzecha

published jan 07, 2021

last updated mar 01, 2023

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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tanya roberts dies after uti, sepsis. know the signs

this file photo shows actress tanya roberts arrives for the 4th annual tv land awards held at barker hangar in santa monica, california on march 19, 2006. chris delmas/afp via getty images

actress tanya roberts died monday in los angeles, california 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 hosptial 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.

utis: symptoms and treatment

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.

when it spreads: sepsis

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.” older people, who may have less or no sensation below the waist, are immobile, or unable to speak, are especially at risk of the uti getting out of hand. regardless of age, sepsis requires immediate treatment.

during sepsis, blood pressure drops and major organs can stop working due to a lack of blood flow. a change in mental status and fast breathing may be the earliest signs. other symptoms include chills, confusion, fever or low body temperature, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat and skin rash.

the centers for disease control calls sepsis a “medical emergency” and urges action: “if you or your loved one has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse, act fast. get medical care immediately, either in-person, or at minimum, through telehealth services.”

the sepsis alliance notes that an infection anywhere in the body can lead to sepsis and even death, writing that “worldwide, one-third of people who develop sepsis die.” it’s important to take the symptoms of uti, or other infections, seriously.