Symptoms and Treatments

Introduction to Kidney Infection

Infection of the kidney is among the infections medically classed as UTI or urinary tract infections. Kidney infections are upper tract UTI and are medically called Pyelonephritis affecting 40% of women and about 10% of men. Kidney infection or upper UTI is more common in women bellow 50 years old and are rare in men in the same age but is common in children less than a year old in boys and less than 4 in girls.

UTI starts with infection of the bladder and the urethra and are classed as lower UTI. When the infection spreads and ascends, kidney infection or Pyelonephritis is contracted. It is characterized by an inflammation of either or both kidneys and may be chronic or acute. The condition requires immediate medical attention as complications can arise to cause life-threatening conditions such as damaging the kidneys to cause renal failure, blood poisoning and eventual death. Prolonging the condition can also cause hypertension and bowel movement dysfunction.

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Infection

Most of the bacteria commonly found on the skin, the vagina and the gastrointestinal tract are also the common ones that cause upper urinary tract infection or kidney infection. Among then are the Escherichia Coli or E. coli, the most prevalent, Kelbsiella, Proteius, Staphylococcus and Enterococcus bacteria.

Hospital patients placed under bladder catheters face increased risk of contracting kidney infection if these catheters are not regularly replaced. Having kidney and bladder stones are another risks as they can obstruct the flow of urine that could lead to UTI. Pregnant woman also carry higher risks and it is known that about 10% of women develop UTI during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse also brings women at a higher risk to UTI as vaginal bacteria can be introduced to the urinary tract through the urethra. In general, a weakened immune system caused by HIV, cancer or diabetes also increased the risk of kidney infection.

Symptoms of Kidney Infection

The more common symptoms are

* Fever
* Chills
* Vomiting
* Nausea
* General body weakness
* Early Fatigue
* Dehydration
* Rapid heart rate
* Frequent urination urges
* Burning sensation when urinating
* Pus or blood in the urine (hematuria)
* Dull pain on the lower back or sides

Severe kidney infection is life threatening and should be attended to immediately.

Diagnosis of Kidney Infection

In addition to assessing a patient’s medical history, a urinalysis is critical in confirming a diagnosis for kidney infection. A more thorough microscopic examination of the urine samples may also be called for. In women a pelvic exam may be needed to eliminate PID or pelvic inflammatory diseases which can show similar symptoms.

Treatment of Kidney Infection

Administering antibiotics orally or intravenously are the common treatment for kidney infections. In addition, a doctor can prescribe medication to relieve any of the discomforting symptoms associated with it. You can have regular visits to the clinic for your antibiotic shots or at home using oral intake. Only in severe cases will merit hospital confinement.