Kidney Infection

Kidney infection is a serious condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. It can also lead to more severe health problems if left untreated. A kidney infection is a type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and is a frequent but troublesome medical ailment. Knowing the symptoms of a kidney infection might help your body get on the road to recovery more quickly. Kidney infections can affect both children and adults. You should know the signs and remedies for kidney infections..

Symptoms of Kidney Infection

Among the signs of a kidney infection are fever, chills, a painful or burning sensation while urinating, having frequent urination, a persistent, powerful urge to urinate, groin, side, or back pain, nausea and diarrhea, urine with pus or blood in it, bad-smelling or hazy urine, or belly ache. (Mayo Clinic)

Causes of Kidney infection

In most cases, the bacteria or viruses that cause kidney infections move to your kidneys from another area of your urinary system, such as your bladder, ureters (the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder), or urethra (the tube through which urine exits your body). Less frequently, the viruses or bacteria originate from an illness in another part of your body. If the flow of urine through your urinary tract is impeded, kidney infection may also result. This is possible because of renal stones (kidney stones), a swollen prostate, or how your urinary system is shaped, making it more difficult to pass urine through. (American Kidney Fund)

Risk Factors

Being female

In comparison to men, women have shorter urethras. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder from outside the body. Moreover, bacteria entering the bladder is more frequent because of the urethra’s proximity to the vagina and anus. An infection that starts in the bladder might move to the kidneys. The risk of kidney infection is even higher for pregnant women.

Obstruction in the urinary tract

The risk of a kidney infection might be increased by anything that hinders the flow of urine or makes it more difficult to empty the bladder. An enlarged prostate gland, a constricted urethra, or a kidney stone are examples.

A compromised immune system

The immune system can be weakened by illnesses like HIV and diabetes. Moreover, several medications can reduce immunity. These include medicines used to prevent organ rejection that are administered after the transplant.

Damage to nerves around the bladder

Damage to the spinal cord or nerves might mask the symptoms of a bladder infection. Because of this, it may be challenging to detect kidney infections.

Using a urinary catheter

Catheters used to drain urine from the bladder are called urinary catheters. After a surgical procedure or a diagnostic test, catheters are occasionally employed. They are also engaged in bedridden patients.

Having a condition where urine flows incorrectly

Little amounts of urine flow back into the tubes that join the bladder and kidneys when there is vesicoureteral reflux. Kidney infections are more likely to occur in children and adults with this illness.

(Mayo Clinic)

Kidney infection is an illness that can be difficult to treat, so it’s essential to take steps to avoid it in the first place. To prevent kidney infections, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily and urinating regularly; practice good hygiene habits, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet; and empty your bladder thoroughly after using the restroom. If you have any of the risk factors listed above, such as an enlarged prostate or nerve damage around the bladder, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about steps to take to reduce your risk of a kidney infection.

Kidney Infection and the ER

A kidney infection can result in excruciating pain. When coupled with fever, chills or other symptom, a visit to the ER can determine the origin of the infection and get you out of pain and treated quickly. Our trusted Board Certified Emergency Room Physicians are able to perform the same diagnostic tests found at any hospital ER. We are open around the clock, every day for your convenience. 

Works Cited

“Kidney Infection.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Aug. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387

“Kidney Infection – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.” American Kidney Fund, 24 Jan. 2023, www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-problems/kidney-infection.

“Kidney Infection.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Aug. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387