One kind of urinary tract infection (UTI) is kidney infection. A kidney infection can start in the bladder or the urethra, the tube that returns urine from the body. One or both kidneys may get infected with the virus. Another name for a kidney infection is pyelonephritis.
Treatment for a kidney infection must be provided quickly. Kidney damage might be permanent if an infection is not appropriately managed. Alternatively, the bacteria may enter the circulation and result in a serious infection.
Antibiotics are frequently used in the treatment of kidney infections and may be administered in a hospital.
Ailments
Kidney infection symptoms could include:
- High temperature
- Shivers
- A painful or searing sensation while urinating
- Frequent needing to urinate
- A persistent, intense need to urinate
- Groyne, side, or back ache
- Vomiting and queasiness
- Blood or pus in the pee
- Urine that has an unpleasant odour or is murky
- Stomach ache
When to visit a physician
If you think you may have a kidney infection, schedule a visit with your doctor. If your UTI is being treated but your symptoms aren’t improving, you should also see your provider.
Dangerous complications may arise from a serious kidney infection. These could include death, tissue damage, or blood poisoning. If you develop symptoms of a kidney infection, such as bloody urine, nausea, or vomiting, get medical attention straight once.
Reasons
Through the urethra, bacteria can enter the urinary tract, grow, and eventually make their way to your kidneys. Kidney infections are most commonly caused by this.
Additionally, bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body might enter the bloodstream and travel to the kidneys. Rarely, an infection of an artificial joint or heart valve may result in renal infection.
Kidney infections following renal surgery are quite rare.
Risk elements
The following variables raise the chance of developing a kidney infection:
Being a woman. In comparison to men, women have a shorter urethra. This facilitates the movement of bacteria into the bladder from the outside of the body. Additionally, the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anus facilitates bacterial entry into the bladder.
An infection can travel to the kidneys when it enters the bladder. Kidney infections are considerably as common in pregnant women.
Having a clog in the urinary tract. A kidney infection can be more likely if something hinders the flow of pee or makes it more difficult to empty the bladder completely. A kidney stone, a constricted urethra, or an enlarged prostate gland are examples of this.
Having a compromised defence mechanism. HIV and diabetes are two illnesses that might compromise immune function. Additionally, several medications can reduce immunity. These are medications used to assist avoid rejection following organ transplantation.
Having the nerves surrounding the bladder damaged. Damage to the nerves or spinal cord may prevent you from sensing a bladder infection. It can be challenging to determine when an infection reaches the kidney as a result.
Using a catheter for urination. Tubes called urinary catheters are used to empty the bladder of pee. After a surgical procedure or diagnostic test, catheters are occasionally employed. They are also utilised by those who are bedridden.
Having an illness that results in the improper direction of urine flow. Tiny amounts of urine flow back into the tubes that connect the bladder and kidneys when someone has vesicoureteral reflux. Kidney infections are more common in people with this illness both as children and as adults.
Avoidance
By taking precautions to avoid urinary tract infections, you can lower your chance of kidney infection. In particular, women may reduce their risk of urinary tract infections by:
Sip on liquids, preferably water. When you urinate, fluids can aid in the body’s removal of microorganisms.
As soon as it’s necessary, urinate. When you have the urge to urinate, don’t wait to do so.
After a sexual encounter, let your bladder out. Urinating as soon as possible following intercourse aids in the urethra’s bacterial removal. Thus, the chance of infection is decreased.
Carefully wipe. After peeing and after a bowel movement, wipe from front to back. This aids in limiting the transmission of bacteria to the urethra.
Products should not be used around the vaginal area. Sprays of deodorant in the vaginal region or douches can irritate.
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