Do you have an infection in your kidneys? Let's talk about this! (Kidney Infection / Pyelonephritis)

Do you also have a fever with pain in your lower back or groin? Do you feel like you need to urinate frequently, and do you have a burning sensation when you do? These could just be symptoms of a common urinary tract infection. But sometimes, it can be a sign of something more serious, like an infection that has spread to the kidneys . Many people are scared when they hear this name, but if you are properly informed and treated on time, this condition can be completely cured. So today, let's talk about everything in simple terms.

What exactly is a kidney infection?

Simply put, a kidney infection is an infection of one or both of our kidneys caused by bacteria or viruses . In medical terms, we also call it `` Pyelonephritis ''. This is actually a severe case of a Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI ).

Think about our urinary system . Its main organ is the kidneys. The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste products and extra water from our blood and make urine. This system also has other parts:

• Ureters : Two thin tubes that carry urine, produced in the kidneys, to the bladder.
• Bladder : A sac-like organ that temporarily stores urine.
• Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Usually, the first thing that happens is that a germ enters the bladder and causes an infection. This is painful but not very serious. However, if these germs are not treated, they can travel up the urethra and into the kidneys. That's when we get what we call a kidney infection. This is a condition that needs to be treated immediately . Otherwise, it can even be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

There are several symptoms that can occur with a kidney infection. Some people may have all of these, while others may only experience a few of them.

Causes and risk factors for developing a kidney infection

Kidney infections often start as a bladder infection. The main cause of this is a type of bacteria called `Escherichia coli (E. coli),` which lives in our intestines. As long as this bacteria is in the intestines, there is no problem. But if it somehow enters the urinary tract, it causes infection.

Now you may be wondering how long it takes for a urinary tract infection to progress to the kidneys. There's really no specific time frame. It varies from person to person. But if a bladder infection isn't treated quickly, the risk of bacteria moving up is high.

Although anyone can develop a kidney infection, some people are at higher risk.

• Being women:Women's urethra is shorter than men's, and because it is located closer to the vagina and anus, bacteria are more likely to enter the urethra.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the pressure on the bladder and urethra from the growing baby can slow down the flow of urine, increasing the risk of infection.
• Obstruction of urine flow: If there is obstruction to the flow of urine due to factors such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate in men, there is a greater chance of bacteria growing.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: If the bladder cannot be completely emptied due to nerve problems or other reasons, bacteria can grow in the remaining urine.
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): This is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder through the ureter toward the kidneys. This is common in young children.
• Weakened immune system: People with diseases such as diabetes, HIV, and those taking immunosuppressive medications after organ transplants have a reduced ability to fight infections.
• Catheter use: Catheters are inserted into the urinary tract after surgery or in bedridden patients. This can allow germs to enter the bladder.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms and then often order the following tests:

• Urine analysis: A sample of your urine is taken and checked for bacteria or white blood cells, which are produced by the body during an infection.
• Urine culture test: This is used to find out exactly what type of bacteria is in your urine. This can then determine the best antibiotic for that bacteria.

In some cases, if the doctor needs further information, he may also order something like an ultrasound scan, CT scan, or MRI scan. These are used to check for any obstructions, such as stones, in the urinary tract.

Serious things can happen if left untreated

A kidney infection is no joke. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications.

• Kidney abscess: Pus can collect inside the kidney tissue. These bacteria can spread to other areas, such as the lungs and blood.
• Septicemia: If bacteria from the kidney get into the bloodstream, it can spread throughout the body and damage organs. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization .
• Kidney failure:Although very rare, a severe infection can damage the kidneys so much that they completely lose function.
• Complications during pregnancy: If a kidney infection develops during pregnancy, the mother may develop severe infections, have difficulty breathing (adult respiratory distress syndrome), and have a low birth weight baby.

Treatment and things you can do at home

A kidney infection is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics for at least two weeks. The most important thing is to take the full course of medication for the full duration, even if you feel better in two or three days. If you stop taking the medication, the infection may not go away completely and may come back.

Things you can do at home to help relieve pain

While taking the medication prescribed by your doctor, the following things can help reduce the discomfort you feel:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help flush out germs.
• Get plenty of rest: The body needs a lot of rest.
• Painkillers: You can take something like `Paracetamol` for pain. But do not take painkillers like `Aspirin`, `Ibuprofen` or `Naproxen` without consulting a doctor for any reason. They can be harmful to the kidneys.
• Hot packs: Applying a hot water bottle to your stomach, back, or buttocks can help relieve pain.

When do you need to be hospitalized?

Sometimes you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. This happens when:

• If you are having a hard time with the infection.
• If the medication you take doesn't control the infection.
• If you have another medical condition or a weakened immune system.
• If you are pregnant.

In the hospital, you may be given antibiotics and fluids through a saline solution into a vein. In severe infections, you may be admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Kidney infection, Pyelonephritis, Urinary tract infection, UTI, Back pain, Kidney disease, Fever and chills, Urinary tract inflammation