Kidney infections are mostly caused by a urinary tract infection that extends to either one or both kidneys. Infections in the kidneys may be sudden or chronic. They are mostly painful and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Pyelonephritis is the medical terminology for kidney infection.
Symptoms for kidney infection
Symptoms of kidney infection may vary depending on the age of the individual suffering. kidney infection symptoms include:
Some of the symptoms of urinary infection can accompany kidney infection like
- Painful urination
- A need to urinate frequently.
- Pus or blood in your urine
- Bad-smelling or cloudy urine
Others include
- Fever
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Reasons for Kidney Infections
Bacteria that enter your urinary tract through a tube which carries urine from your body (urethra) may divide and spread to your kidneys. This is the most prevalent cause of kidney infection.
Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your body can also spread to your kidneys through your bloodstream. Although it is uncommon to develop a kidney infection, it may occur. For example, if you have an artificial joint or heart valve that is infected.
Renal infection is rarely the result of kidney surgery.
Who gets affected by kidney infection?
Although anyone can get kidney infection but a few people with such condition are more prone to it;
- Have the infection of the bladder. Infection in the bladder may spread to the kidneys.
- They’re a woman. The symptoms of kidney infection in females are more common than the symptoms of kidney infection in males owing to some physical circumstances.
- Have an issue with the shape of your urinary tract that makes it difficult for your urine to move through
- Have a blockage in your urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged urinary tract. (in men)
- Are pregnant
- Have diabetes
How to Treat Kidney Infection
· Use of Antibiotics for Kidney infections
Antibiotics is the first line of therapy for kidney diseases. Which drugs you use and how long it will rely on your health and the bacteria discovered in your urine tests.
Signs and symptoms of kidney infection usually start to clear up within a few days of therapy. But you might need to proceed with the antibiotics for a week or longer. Take all the antibiotics suggested by your doctor even after you feel better.
Your doctor may suggest a repeat culture of urine to guarantee that the infection is cleared. If the infection is still present, you will need to take another course of antibiotics.
· Hospitalization for severe cases
In case your kidney infection gets severe, your doctor might admit you to the hospital. Treatment at hospital may include antibiotics and fluids that you receive through a vein in your arm (intravenously). How long you’ll stay in the hospital depends on the severity of your condition.
· For recurrent kidney infections
A fundamental medical issue, such as a misshapen urinary tract, may trigger repeated kidney infections. In such a case, you may be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) or a urinary surgeon (urologist) for assessment. In some cases, you may need surgery to repair a structural abnormality
Home Treatment for Kidney Infection
- Apply heat. Put a thermal pad on your stomach, back or side to relieve pain.
- Use pain killers. Take a no aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, others) for fever or discomfort.
• Keep yourself hydrated. Drinking fluids will help clean bacteria out of your urinary tract. Try to avoid coffee and alcohol during this period. They can make you feel worse when you need to urinate.