Do you sometimes experience a burning sensation when you urinate, pain in the side or lower back, and a fever? Or do you just feel like you're going to faint? These could be signs of a kidney infection. Don't worry, this is a condition that can affect many people, but if you are aware of it and get treatment on time, it can be cured quickly. Today, we will talk in detail and simply about this kidney infection, which doctors call `(Pyelonephritis)`.
Do you know what kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is?
Simply put, a kidney infection is an infection of the urinary system, as we all know it, a `(Urinary Tract Infection - UTI)`. But what happens in this case is that germs like bacteria, from a place like your bladder, travel up the ureters and affect one or both kidneys. To be precise, the infection spreads to the kidneys. This is
a situation that requires a little more attention than a normal urinary tract infection and requires prompt treatment. Because the kidneys are a very important organ in our body. According to statistics in America, about one in 2000 people develop this condition every year. This condition can also be seen frequently in Sri Lanka, especially among women.
What is the difference between a common urinary tract infection (UTI) and a kidney infection?
When most people think of a UTI, they think of a minor infection in the bladder or urethra. This is called a lower urinary tract infection. A kidney infection is also a UTI, but it is an upper urinary tract infection. The symptoms of both can sometimes be similar. For example, you may experience
a burning sensation when you urinate. However, with a kidney infection, you are more likely to experience sudden, severe pain in your lower back or groin . This may feel a little more severe than a typical UTI.
What are the symptoms of a kidney infection? How to identify it?
Okay, so let's look at the main symptoms that we can feel and see when we have a kidney infection. If you have one or more of these, you should definitely see a doctor, right?
- Fever: A high fever can usually come on suddenly.
- Feeling cold and shivering: This can also occur with a fever.
- Lower back pain, or pain in the side: This is a major symptom that many people report. This pain can be felt on the side where the kidney is.
- Burning and pain when urinating: This is also a very common symptom.
- Haematuria: Urine may appear red, pink or brown.
- Dark urine with a strong odor (Pyuria): This can happen when there is pus- like material in the urine.
- Frequent urination, sudden urge to urinate: You have to urinate little by little, but often.
- Nausea and vomiting : Some people may also experience these symptoms.
- Feeling lethargic and tired: This is also something that comes with an infection.
These symptoms do not occur in the same way for everyone. Some people may experience only a few of these.
Why do we get kidney infections? What are the causes?
Most of the time, about 90% of all kidney infections are caused by
bacteria . Rarely, viruses can cause them, but this is rare in healthy people. Some bacteria that live in our large intestine, such as E. coli, are the main cause. These bacteria somehow enter the urinary tract and travel up to the kidneys. Other types of bacteria that can cause this include:
- `Proteus mirabilis`
- `Enterobacter`
- `Staphylococcus`
Now look, what our kidneys do is filter
and clean the waste products in our body and make urine. This urine goes through the tubes ``ureters`` and collects in the ``bladder``. The urine is stored there until we go to the washroom. Then, the urine goes out of the body through another tube, the ``urethra``. Normally, during this process, any bacteria that may be in the urinary tract are washed away. However,
sometimes these bacteria can travel up the urethra and cause an infection in the bladder (cystitis). From there, these bacteria can travel further up to one or both kidneys and cause a kidney infection. Very rarely, bacteria that enter the blood from an infection elsewhere in the body can travel through the blood and infect the kidneys.
What are the risk factors for developing a kidney infection?
Some people are more at risk of developing kidney infections than others. Let's take a look at what those are.
- Blockage in the urinary tract: Imagine, if there is a blockage somewhere in your urinary tract, meaning that urine cannot flow out properly, the urine can get stuck in one place and bacteria can easily grow and travel to the kidneys.
- For example, kidney stones (this is a problem for many people in Sri Lanka, sometimes causing unbearable back pain).
- As men age, their prostate gland becomes enlarged (this makes it difficult to urinate).
- Women have uterine prolapse (something we sometimes see in our mothers and grandmothers).
- And also,This risk can also increase due to the pressure on the bladder during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the urethra becomes compressed, which can make it difficult to urinate properly.
- Vesicoureteral reflux: This is a bit of a complicated name, but it simply means that urine flows the wrong way, from the bladder back up to the kidneys. This is also a major cause of kidney infections , especially in young children.
- Conditions that increase your risk of infection: If you have diabetes , your blood sugar levels are not well controlled, and you are more likely to develop infections. Also, people with HIV infection or those taking immunosuppressive medications (e.g., organ transplant recipients, cancer patients) are at higher risk of developing kidney infections.
- Anatomy: Because women have a shorter urethra than men , bacteria can easily travel from the fecal area to the urethra, from there to the bladder, and then to the kidneys. That's why women are more likely to get UTIs and kidney infections.
- Use of Urinary Catheters: People who have urinary catheters in place for long periods of time are also at increased risk of infection.
Can a kidney infection become serious? What are the complications?
Yes, kidney infections
can sometimes cause life-threatening complications . This risk is especially high in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, those with other underlying health conditions like diabetes, or those who do not receive timely treatment. Some of the main complications are:
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis: This is a very serious condition. In this, bacteria destroy the kidney tissue and produce gas. This is more common in people with diabetes.
- Renal papillary necrosis: This causes damage to the very delicate parts of the kidneys.
- Renal abscess: Pus can collect in or around the kidney.
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition in which the infection spreads to the bloodstream and affects the entire body.
- Chronic kidney disease: If kidney infections continue to occur, or if the kidneys are damaged by a severe infection, the kidneys can eventually fail.
That's why it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.
How does a doctor diagnose a kidney infection?
Only a doctor can tell for sure if you have a kidney infection. When you see a doctor, they will first listen to your symptoms and ask about them. They will then perform a physical examination, especially looking for pain in the side of your back. In addition, they may do the following tests:
- Urinalysis: This can check for bacteria, pus, and blood in the urine.
- Urine Culture: This can help determine exactly what bacteria is causing the infection and what antibiotics are best for it.
- Blood tests: This helps to check the infection status of the blood (e.g. white blood cell count) and kidney function.
- Kidney scans: Sometimes, if the infection is severe or if there is a suspected blockage, such as a kidney stone, a CT scan of the kidneys or a renal ultrasound may be ordered.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as fever and pain in your groin, it could be a kidney infection. However,
don't try to make decisions on your own. How do you treat a kidney infection?
Kidney infections are usually treated with
antibiotics . Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to take orally or by injection. You will need to take these medications exactly as prescribed for at least 14 days (two weeks). In some severe cases, you may need to take the medication for longer. If you are very ill, have a persistent fever, are vomiting, are unable to eat or drink, or do not feel better quickly with antibiotics, you may need
to be hospitalized and given intravenous saline and antibiotics .
What types of medications are given?
The doctor may prescribe one or more antibiotics, depending on your condition and the urine culture report (which will take a few days to arrive):
- `Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)`
- `Amoxicillin` or `Augmentin`
- `Ceftriaxone` or `Cephalexin`
- `Ciprofloxacin` or `Levofloxacin`
These are some of the most commonly prescribed medications. However, a doctor will determine the best medication for you.
How quickly will I get better after taking the medicine?
Usually, you will start to feel better within two to three days of starting antibiotics. The fever will go down, the pain will subside. For some people, it may take a little longer.
However, it is very important that you take all the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time, without missing a single day, even if you feel better.Otherwise, if you stop taking it, the infection can come back, perhaps even worse, and the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
Can't we prevent kidney infections? What should we do?
Kidney infections often start with bladder infections. So, preventing lower urinary tract infections is the first and best step to preventing kidney infections. Here are some simple, but very important things you can do to do that:
- Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will help flush out the urinary tract, which will help reduce the chance of bacteria building up in one place. It's a good idea to ask your doctor how much water you need.
- Don't hold back when you need to urinate: Empty your bladder completely when it's full. Holding in urine increases the chance of bacteria growing.
- Urinate before and after sex: This flushes out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sex.
- Stay clean: Wash your body daily and stay clean. Change your underwear daily. Don't wear wet or sweaty underwear. It's best to use underwear made of materials like cotton.
- When you go to the bathroom, wipe from front to back: This is especially important for women. Wiping this way helps prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and urethra.
- Be careful when using soaps and deodorants in the vaginal area: Harsh soaps and sprays can destroy the natural protective bacteria in the vagina, making it more susceptible to infections.
What happens if you get a kidney infection? What can you do at home?
Usually, kidney infections, if treated promptly, will heal quickly and not cause any major problems. However, in cases like these, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment:
- If you are in a lot of pain, if you can't control your fever, if you keep vomiting.
- If you have infections elsewhere in your body (e.g. sepsis).
- If you have an underlying disease (such as diabetes, HIV) that weakens your immune system.
- If the infection does not clear up with antibiotics given at home.
At home,
the most important thing is to take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor exactly and on time. In addition:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids. This will help your kidneys fight infections and help flush out germs.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, cola) for a while. These stimulate the bladder and can increase the need to urinate more frequently.
- Get plenty of rest. Resting your body helps it recover from the infection.
- If you are in pain, you can talk to your doctor and get a suitable painkiller. Applying a hot water bottle to your back can also provide relief.
Remember, do not try to cure a kidney infection with home remedies alone. Medical treatment is essential.
What are the best times to see a doctor? Do I need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) ?
If you have any of the symptoms of a kidney infection, such as difficulty urinating, changes in your urine (such as blood or dark urine), or back pain and fever,
you should see a doctor right away. If you have any of these signs of severe dehydration or other serious medical conditions
, you should go to the nearest emergency room (ER) immediately:- It's okay to suddenly have a high fever, or to have unbearable back pain.
- There is almost no urination, or very little.
- Loss of consciousness, agitation, and drowsiness.
- Severe difficulty breathing.
- Unstoppable vomiting.
- Feeling like you're turning blue.
These are not good symptoms to watch out for, and prompt medical advice is needed.
Important questions to ask your doctor
When you see your doctor, you should have a good understanding of your condition. So it will be helpful for you to ask these questions:
- How exactly should I use these medications? How long should I take them?
- Are there any side effects from this medication?
- What else can I do at home to help me recover faster? Is there anything I should pay special attention to when it comes to food and drink?
- When should I start going back to work?
- What should I do to prevent a kidney infection from happening again?
- Could this infection cause long-term damage to my kidneys?
- Should I come see the doctor again?
In addition to these questions, don't be afraid to ask anything you have.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Kidney infections are a condition that requires some attention. However,
if you recognize the symptoms early, see a doctor on time, and get the right treatment, you can completely cure it. There is nothing to worry about. Remember, by maintaining good hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and emptying your bladder completely on time, you can often prevent urinary tract infections and, consequently, kidney infections. If you are someone who gets frequent urinary tract infections, or if you have an underlying condition that makes you more prone to infections (e.g., diabetes, kidney stones), talk to your doctor about it and about special ways to prevent infections. Your health is in your hands. Be careful!
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