A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious medical illness caused by harmful bacteria entering and infecting the kidneys. The infection usually begins in the bladder or urinary tract and progresses to the kidneys. If not treated promptly, kidney infections can cause substantial discomfort and lead to problems.1
9-12 minutes, Sarah Jividen, RN
Kidney infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, biological sex, and overall health. However, kidney infections are more common in those with vaginas than in those with penises.1 This is due to a shorter urethra (the duct that transports urine from the bladder out of the body), which allows bacteria to enter the kidneys more easily.
The following are common symptoms of a kidney infection:2
Chills and fever
Vomiting and nausea
Generalized abdominal discomfort
Pain or throbbing in the lower back, on one or both sides, or in the groin
Urinating more frequently than usual
Urge to urinate again, even after urinating
Urination that causes pain or a burning feeling
Urine containing blood or pus (a thick white or yellow fluid).
Urine that is cloudy or smells bad
Diarrhea
The major sign of a kidney infection in infants under the age of two may be a high fever.1
In persons over the age of 65, however, the traditional symptoms of a kidney infection may not be evident. Instead, older people may face mostly cognitive impairments, such as:3
Hallucinations
Confusion
Speech that is incoherent or jumbled
If you observe any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare professional right once. If you are currently receiving treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) but are still experiencing any of these symptoms, it is critical that you visit your provider.
In most cases, kidney infections are caused by the invasion of bacteria or viruses into the kidneys. According to researchers, the majority of kidney infections begin with a bladder infection that spreads up to infect one or both kidneys.
The urinary tract normally has defenses in place to prevent infections from progressing to the upper urinary tract. Urination, for example, sweeps out bacteria before they reach the bladder. However, the body’s defense mechanisms can fail, resulting in a urinary tract infection. If left untreated, the germs might infect the kidneys.
Less frequently, germs or viruses from other regions of the body might enter the circulation and infect the kidneys.Three Risk Factors
Several risk factors can raise your chances of getting a kidney infection. These are some examples: 42
Lower urinary tract infections are the most common reason for kidney infections. UTIs most commonly begin in the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis).
Urinary tract obstructions include anything that obstructs or hinders the flow of urine, such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate in men, or structural urinary tract abnormalities.
Immune system weakness: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or certain immunosuppressive medicines may raise your chance of having a kidney infection.
Use of a urinary catheter: A urinary catheter is a tube put through the urethra that allows urine to exit the bladder and into a collection bag. People who use urinary catheters, such as those suffering from urine incontinence or who are bedridden, are more likely to develop urinary tract and kidney infections.
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can impair urinary tract function. A developing uterus can put strain on the urinary system.
Vesicoureteral reflux is an irregular flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and perhaps the kidneys.
Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, raising the risk of kidney infection.
It should be noted that these are broad risk factors, and that individual circumstances may differ. If you feel you have a kidney infection or are concerned about your risk factors, you should seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Healthcare practitioners often use a variety of procedures to examine symptoms, conduct physical examinations, and perform diagnostic testing to identify a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
The following may be included in the diagnostic process:4
Medical history and physical examination: Your healthcare professional will want to know whether you have any risk factors. They can also assist you in identifying any lifestyle issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
Urinalysis specimen collection: This examination looks for germs, white blood cells (which indicate an immunological response), and red blood cells.
Blood tests: This test is used to examine kidney function and look for other signs of infection or inflammation.
A computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all examples of imaging tests. These tests can offer a thorough examination of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Additional testing may be required in some circumstances to evaluate specific conditions. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) may be conducted, for example, if urinary tract abnormalities or vesicoureteral reflux are suspected. During this test, a contrast dye is injected into the bladder and urethra, and X-rays are taken while urinating.4
In most cases, antibiotics are the first-line treatment for a kidney infection. Even before getting the results of diagnostic tests, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic that targets the most common types of bacteria that cause kidney infections. Even if symptoms improve, it is critical to complete the entire course of antibiotics.5
The most commonly used antibiotics to treat kidney infections are:6
Moxatag (amoxicillin) and other penicillins
Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and Vantin (cefpodoxime) are examples of cephalosporins.
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is an example of a sulfonamide.
Fluroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin)
Because of the potential of renal toxicity, aminoglycosides such as Garamycin (gentamicin) are only used in rare circumstances.
Once the test results are in, your healthcare professional may change the antibiotic medication to one that is more specific to the infection.
Antibiotics for kidney infections can be given orally (by mouth), intravenously (through a vein in the arm), or both.
If you are extremely ill, hospitalization or bed rest may be required. Fluids may be supplied via an intravenous (IV) line to ensure proper hydration and management.
If a blockage in the urinary tract is caused by an obstruction, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate, a doctor (typically a urologist, or a medical specialist who specializes in the urinary system) may choose surgical or other procedural procedures to address the condition.
You can help prevent kidney infections by doing the following:7
Maintain proper hygiene: To avoid the spread of microorganisms that can cause infections, practice good personal cleanliness, especially in the vaginal area.
Keep hydrated by drinking enough liquids to encourage regular urine. This aids in the removal of bacteria from the urinary tract and stops them from growing.
Avoid retaining urine: Regularly emptying your bladder aids in the prevention of bacterial development.
Wipe properly: After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to avoid bacteria from spreading to the urethra.
Avoid using irritable feminine hygiene products: Certain feminine hygiene products, including as douches and powders, can cause urethral irritation and raise the risk of infection.
Put on breathable underwear: Select underwear made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton. This promotes air circulation and keeps the genital area dry, lowering the danger of bacterial growth.
Urinary tract infections should be treated as soon as possible since they can spread to the kidneys.
It is critical to seek tailored guidance from a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of recurring kidney infections or other medical issues. They can make customized recommendations based on your circumstances.
Kidney infections can be dangerous if left untreated or if they grow serious. Among these complications are:8
Kidney scarring, also known as renal scarring, increases your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Chronic renal disease is a long-term disorder in which the kidneys fail to filter waste and excess fluids from the circulation.
High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too great.
Sepsis is a potentially fatal illness that spreads through the bloodstream.
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the body.
You can lower the risk of these potential effects by preventing kidney infections.
Living with kidney infections can be difficult, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, the illness can be managed and consequences avoided. It’s critical to stick to your doctor’s treatment plan, which may involve taking antibiotics, staying hydrated, and practicing excellent hygiene.
Follow-up appointments with your clinician are essential for monitoring kidney function and addressing any concerns or issues that may emerge.
