What Is a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the kidneys.
Unlike lower UTIs, which affect the bladder or urethra, kidney infections are more serious and can result in severe complications if untreated.
Kidney infections happen when bacteria, usually from the bladder, travel upwards through the ureters and infect one or both kidneys.
Although rare, viruses can also cause kidney infections, but this is uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals.
How Common Are Kidney Infections?
Kidney infections are relatively rare, affecting approximately 1 in 2,000 people every year in the United States. However, they are more common in women due to anatomical factors that make it easier for bacteria to travel from the urethra to the bladder and kidneys.
Symptoms and Causes of a Kidney Infection
Symptoms of a Kidney Infection: A kidney infection can abruptly trigger a range of symptoms. Common signs include:
- Fever and chills are usually the first symptoms, signaling an infection.
- Pain in your lower back or side: This is often described as flank pain and can be severe.
- Pain during urination: A burning sensation or discomfort when urinating may occur.
- Cloudy or bloody urine: Blood or pus (pyuria) in the urine is a common sign of a kidney infection
- Urgent need to urinate: You may feel the need to urinate frequently, even if little urine is produced.
- Foul-smelling urine: The urine may have a strong or unpleasant odor.
In more severe cases, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and confusion may develop, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
What Causes a Kidney Infection?
Kidney infections are primarily caused by bacteria, often E. coli, which is commonly found in the intestines. These bacteria can travel upward from the bladder through the ureters to the kidneys. In rare cases, viruses or fungi can cause kidney infections, but these are much less common.
Certain conditions increase the likelihood of developing a kidney infection, including:
- Blockages in the urinary tract: Conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or pregnancy can lead to urine retention, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
- Vesicoureteral reflux: This condition causes urine to flow backward from the bladder into the kidneys, creating a pathway for bacteria to infect the kidneys.
- Weakened immune system: Individuals with diabetes, HIV, or those taking immunosuppressive medications have an increased risk of developing kidney infections.
- Gender and anatomy: Women, especially those assigned female at birth, are at higher risk due to their shorter urethras, which make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and kidneys.
How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed?
If a kidney infection is suspected, your doctor will review your symptoms and may perform a physical exam. Urinalysis is the most common test for diagnosing a kidney infection, where a sample of your urine is tested for bacteria, white blood cells, or blood. Blood tests may also be performed to check for signs of infection.
In some cases, imaging tests like a CT scan or renal ultrasound may be recommended to evaluate the extent of the infection and rule out complications like kidney abscesses or stones.
How Is a Kidney Infection Treated?
The primary treatment for a kidney infection is antibiotics. These medications are essential in fighting the bacteria causing the infection. Based on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be prescribed orally or administered intravenously in a hospital setting.
You should start to feel better within two to three days of starting treatment. It is vital to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent it from coming back.
In severe cases, where the infection does not improve or the person is very ill, hospitalization and IV antibiotics may be required. If there are complications like kidney abscesses or significant tissue damage, further treatments or procedures may be required.
Risk Factors and Complications of Kidney Infections
Risk Factors:
Various factors can aggravate the risk of developing a kidney infection:
- Urinary tract blockages: Conditions such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or pregnancy can obstruct normal urine flow, promoting bacterial growth.
- Vesicoureteral reflux: This condition causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys, providing a pathway for bacteria to reach the kidney.
- Weakened immune system: People with conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or those on immunosuppressive medications are more vulnerable to infections.
- Anatomical differences: Women and people assigned female at birth have shorter urethras, which increases the risk of bacteria traveling up to the bladder and kidneys.
Complications of Kidney Infections:
If left untreated or improperly treated, kidney infections can lead to severe complications, including:
- Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: This is a serious condition where gas is produced by bacteria in the kidneys, causing tissue destruction. It is more common in people with diabetes and can lead to kidney failure.
- Renal Papillary Necrosis: A condition where the tissue in the kidneys becomes damaged and dies, which can lead to kidney failure if untreated.
- Sepsis: In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Prevention and Home Care for Kidney Infections
How to Prevent Kidney Infections:
Preventing kidney infections largely involves preventing lower UTIs from progressing to the kidneys. Some preventive measures include:
- Hydration: Consuming plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
- Emptying your bladder regularly: Holding in urine can allow bacteria to grow. Try to urinate when you feel the urge.
- Good hygiene practices: Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, shower regularly, and avoid wearing tight clothing or wet underwear that can promote bacterial growth.
- Post-sex hygiene: Peeing before and after sexual activity can help remove bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh chemicals or products like douches or powders that can irritate the urinary tract.
What to Do at Home:
While antibiotics are the primary treatment, there are a few things you can do at home to support recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water is the best choice, as it helps flush out bacteria.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can irritate the urinary tract and make symptoms worse.
- Rest: Make sure you get rest to allow your body to heal.
When to Seek Medical Help:
If you experience symptoms of a kidney infection, such as fever, pain in your back or side, or painful urination, seek medical care immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications, including kidney damage.
Conclusion
Kidney infections are serious but treatable conditions. If you experience symptoms such as fever, flank pain, or painful urination, don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider. Early intervention and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial in preventing complications and promoting a full recovery.
At Krishna Patil Hospital, our expert team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating kidney infections with the utmost care. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, contact us for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Contact Krishna Patil Hospital today for comprehensive care and expert management of kidney infections.
