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Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) that starts in the urethra or bladder and spreads to one or both kidneys.
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An infection of the kidneys necessitates immediate medical treatment. A kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys if not handled properly, or the bacteria can spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection.
The treatment of a kidney infection, which typically requires antibiotics, can necessitate hospitalization.
Signs and Symptoms
A kidney infection can cause the following signs and symptoms:
It's a fever
Pain in the back, hand (flank), or groin
Pressure in the abdomen
Urination on a regular basis
Urge to urinate is powerful and constant.
When urinating, you can experience a burning sensation or discomfort.
Vomiting and nausea
If you have pus or blood in your urine, it's time to see a doctor (hematuria)
Urine that has a foul odor or is cloudy.
Reasons for this
Bacteria will multiply and migrate to your kidneys if they reach your urinary tract through the tube that transports urine from your body (urethra). Kidney infections are most often caused by this.
Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your body can also spread to your kidneys through your bloodstream. While developing a kidney infection is uncommon, it can happen if you have an infected artificial joint or heart valve, for example.
Kidney infection is a rare complication of kidney surgery.
Factors that increase the risk of kidney infection include:
Being a woman. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum also creates more opportunities for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Once in the bladder, the infection can spread to the kidneys. Pregnant women are at an even higher risk of kidney infection.
You have a urinary tract block. This includes anything that slows the flow of urine or reduces your ability to empty your bladder when urinating - including a kidney stone, something unusual in the structure of the urinary tract, or in men an enlarged prostate.
With a weakened immune system. This includes medical conditions that disrupt your immune system, such as diabetes and HIV. Some drugs, such as those used to prevent organ transplant rejection, have a similar effect.
Nerve damage around the bladder. Damage to the nerves or spinal cord can block the feelings of a bladder infection, so you don't know when it's going to get a kidney infection.
A urinary catheter has been used for some time. Urinary catheters are tubes used to drain urine from the bladder. You may have a catheter inserted during and after some surgery and diagnostic tests. You can use one around the clock if you are bedridden.
Have a condition that causes poor urine flow. With vesicoureteral reflux, a small amount of urine flows from the bladder back to your ureters and kidneys. People with this disease have a higher risk of kidney infection in childhood and adulthood.
If left untreated, kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as:
Kidney scars. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Blood poisoning (septicemia). Your kidneys filter the blood waste and return the filtered blood to the rest of the body. Kidney infection can cause bacteria to spread through the blood.
Pregnancy complications. Women who develop kidney infections during pregnancy may be at increased risk of giving birth to low birth weight babies.
Reduce your risk of kidney infection by taking steps to prevent urinary tract infections. Women, in particular, can reduce their risk of urinary tract infections by:
Drink fluids, especially water. Liquids can help flush bacteria from your body when you urinate.
Urinate as soon as you need to. Avoid delaying urination when you feel the urge to urinate.
Empty your bladder after intercourse. Urinating as soon as possible after intercourse helps flush bacteria from the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.
Clean with care. Wiping from front to back after urinating and after having a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra.
Avoid using feminine products in the genital area. Using products like deodorant sprays on the genital area or douching can be irritating.