Quick treatment for a kidney infection can save lives.

This article is about kidney infection and how it is diagnosed and treated.

Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) affect people with bladder infections, including females and pregnant women. It can occur when bacteria travel up the urethra from the urinary tract, affecting one or both kidneys. These infections come from other parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder, ureters, or urethra.

Kidney infections should seek medical attention as early as possible; otherwise, permanent kidney damage can spread to other parts of the body. Severe kidney infections may cause kidney damage or kidney failure. If kidney failure is not treated, it can lead to death within a few days or weeks. Medically reviewed by Dr. Jillian Foglesong-Stabile, MD.

Kidney infection symptoms include

• Diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• chills or shivering
• lower back pain
• pain in the groin
• pain in the side
• Fever

There is a possibility of urinary tract infection also (UTI); the affected may experience pain or struggle to urinate. Other symptoms are:

• Burning or stinging sensation.
• Blood in urine
• Cloudy pee(hematuria or pyuria)
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent urination
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Confusion

Males vs. females

• Symptoms that are similar to both males and females if they have a kidney infection.
• Females are more prone to contracting a kidney infection since the female’s urethra is close to the vagina and anus.
• It is easier for bacteria to enter into the body through the urinary tract. Pregnant women are likely to develop a UTI, or kidney infection.
• For males below 65 years of age, doctors check if the person is likely to have other health conditions to rule out first when he presents with UTI. 

Learn more about UTIs in males here.

Causes

Once viruses enter the urethra and reproduce in the bladder, triggering an infection. Most of the time, the cause of a kidney infection is a bladder infection that travels to the kidneys.

Basis for infection

During sexual intercourse, transference will take place from the bowel to the genitals.

While wiping with toilet paper after a bowel movement, the possibility of transferring feces to the urethra and decreasing a UTI

Watch this video to learn more

Risk factors of kidney infection include:

Kidney stones

Having a urinary catheter

An enlarged prostate in males

Having a urinary tract shaped in a way where urine may not pass through easily

When having a strong, persistent urge to urinate, the urinary tract permits urine to flow back up into the ureters.

Pregnancy

Diabetes

A weakened immune system because of medication or a medical condition

Bladder infection symptoms may be blocked by spinal cord injury or nerve damage.

Urinary tract image

The urinary tract consists of:

• Kidneys: Humans have two kidneys. Kidneys purify the blood.
• Ureters: Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder via tubes called ureters.
• Bladder: This organ in the lower abdomen that collects urine.
• Urethra: An organ that passes through urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

In males, the urethra moves down the middle of the penis to an opening at the end. In females, the urethra moves from the bladder to the vaginal opening. The urethra is shorter for females.

Treatment by the urologists.

Persons with a kidney infection should undergo urine testing. The treatment for a kidney infection is antibiotics, though some may require other types of treatment. Before the test results, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for pain relief. An infected person must complete the course of the medicines. The medical professional may change the medicine after scrutinizing the test result.

Types of antibiotics

The antibiotics prescribed depend on the affected person's medical history. Some may have sensitivity to certain antibiotics. The initial treatment is with a general antibiotic; if the first one fails, stronger medication is prescribed.

Fluids

An infected person will be advised to consume plenty of fluids to prevent fever and dehydration. Fluid intake may vary based on the type of infection.

Treatment in Hospital

If the symptoms are not improving or have more severe infection, they may require treatment in the hospital. The person may have antibiotics to be administered intravenously through a vein in their arm. If he experiences dehydration, fluids are administered via drip. Hospitalization treatment lasts no more than 3–7 days.

Surgery

A person who has a kidney stone or enlarged prostate that is blocking their urinary tract may require treatment through surgery, or if they have kidney stones or a prostate that is enlarged, it may block the urinary tract.

Diagnostic procedures may include:

A medical professional will usually check a person’s medical history that links to a kidney infection. 

Physical examination: 

• The general state of health,
• Heart rate,
• Blood pressure, 
• Body temperature,
• Dehydration, 
• Respiratory rate.
• Assess the mid-to-lower back for pain,
• Sensitivity, or tenderness,

Rectal examination:

1. For males, a healthcare professional may conduct a digital rectal exam to check for an enlarged prostate obstructing the bladder neck.
2. Pelvic examination: If the person is a young female, a pelvic examination to confirm whether there is any asymptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease and a pregnancy test.
3. Urine sample: The urine sample will be collected in a special container for lab analysis. If it contains bacteria and white blood cells, it confirms an infection. Both symptoms and lab results are helpful for diagnoses.
4. Imaging: a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound, which may be preferred if health care desires.

Complications

There is a risk of serious complications if a person is treated for a kidney infection.

• Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN): This is a very serious fatal complication.
• EPN is a grave infection in which festering bacteria demolish kidney tissue.
• Kidney abscesses: pus can accumulate in kidney tissues in abscesses.
• Acute kidney failure: One or both kidneys may cease functioning. Dialysis may be necessary while treatment takes effect.
• Renal vein thrombosis: A blood clot in one of the major kidney veins may result in a lack of blood in the organ.
• Blood poisoning, or sepsis, is a medical emergency that needs swift medical diagnosis and treatment. The condition leads to a significant drop in a person's blood pressure, which in turn affects blood circulation. Clots can form within blood vessels when the blood flow is slow.

The symptoms of sepsis include:

• Edema
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma
• Learn more about sepsis here.

When to contact a doctor

• Suffering from severe pain in the mid-to-lower back or side
• Feeling sick and having a fever
• Having nausea or generally feeling unwell

Prevention

Often, a kidney infection results from a pre-existing urinary disease. To prevent kidney infection, take steps to avoid an infection in the urethra or bladder.

Some tips to prevent a kidney infection include the following:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
• Urination: Urinate immediately whenever there is an urge. Do not wait.
• Sexual intercourse: Urinate after sexual intercourse. "Remember to wash the genital area both before and after intercourse."
• Hygiene: Wash the genitals frequently. Avoid deodorant sprays or a douche on the genitals.
• Toilet hygiene: For every restroom use, wipe the anus from front to back. This helps decrease the likelihood of transferring bacteria to the genital area.
• Fiber: Eat plenty of fiber, which makes stools come out easily and does not cause irritation or skin lesions. Constipation increases the risk of spreading a kidney infection, and insufficient fiber will lead to kidney stones.

Conclusion.

Kidney infections and urinary tract infections are most uncomfortable. It may pose many health problems. The infection will not be limited to the vagina and anus. A person can reduce their chances of contracting a kidney infection by maintaining good hygiene and good toilet habits after passing stools. Wiping front to back after passing stools. Washing the genitals every urination and after sexual intercourse