Kidney Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Explained
Introduction to Kidney Infection
Kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It often starts in the bladder and moves up to the kidneys. However, it can also occur if bacteria enter the kidneys directly from the bloodstream.
Fever, lower back pain, and difficulty and pain while urinating are its common symptoms. This infection can affect one or both kidneys.
Pyelonephritis is generally more severe than lower UTIs. It can lead to serious complications, such as permanent kidney damage, if left untreated.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about an estimated 1 in 2,000 people suffer from kidney infections each year. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to remove the infection. Taking antibiotics on time helps to recover from renal infections on time.
Understanding Kidney Infections: Its Causes and Risk Factors
Anatomy and Structure of the Kidney helps to understand the causes and risk factors of kidney infections.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that lie in abdominal back. They filter blood to remove waste. Every day, they filter about 200 quarts of blood. They also balance the fluid and electrolytes in the body.
Causes of Kidney Infection
Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of renal infection. They enter in urethra, reproduce in the bladder, and cause infection.
Risk Factors of Kidney Infections
Women are more prone to developing kidney infections because of their shorter urethra. Infection can develop at any age, but is most commonly seen in younger women.
Hormonal changes and sexual activities are more common reasons for infection.
These factors are responsible for increasing the risk of kidney infections.
More common in females
For women, it is easy for bacteria to travel from outside to the bladder due to their shorter urethra. Because the urethra is near the vagina and anus.
It's easier for bacteria to get into the bladder and then into the kidneys. Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from kidney infections.
Blockage in the urinary tract
The disruption in normal urine flow also leads to kidney infections. The blockage in the urethra causes incomplete excretion of urine from the bladder. It could be due to kidney stones, enlargement of the prostate gland, and narrowing of the urethra.
Weakened Immune System
Diabetes and HIV weaken the immune system. They can also be a reason for pyelonephritis. Long-term medicines for organ transplants also result in a weak immune system.
Damaged nerves of the bladder
Any damage to the nerve or spinal cord results in infection in the urinary bladder.
Use of urinary catheters
Urinary catheters increase the risk of kidney infections through bacterial entry. They also cause bladder irritation.
These tubes empty the bladder of urine when patients cannot urinate naturally. Specifically, after any surgical procedure or diagnostic test.
Vesicoureteral reflux of urine
Vesicoureteral reflux causes kidney infection. When it causes urine to flow backwards to the ureters.
Bacterial Source of Kidney Infection
Kidney infection is usually caused by bacteria known as E. coli. It enters the urine tube (urethra), travels to the bladder, and then to the kidney.
Cystitis is a type of UTI that can potentially lead to pyelonephritis if untreated.
E.coli is commonly present in the bowel without causing issues. However, certain strains can cause harm. It causes infection when it is transferred from the bottom to the genitals during sex.
Bacterial infection is the primary cause of kidney infections. But certain conditions also increase the risk of developing infections. These conditions are
- Weak immune system
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Acute kidney injury
- Kidney stones
How Is Kidney Infection Linked with Untreated UTIs?
Kidney Physiology and Function explains why untreated UTIs lead to more serious infections like pyelonephritis.
An untreated urinary tract infection often leads to a kidney infection.
The bacteria that cause UTIs do not completely eradicate from the bladder. That's why it ascends towards the kidney. Its severity leads to a more severe infection termed pyelonephritis.
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Fever, back pain, and nausea are common symptoms of a developing kidney infection. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has progressed from the bladder to the kidneys.
What are the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection?
The symptoms of kidney infection include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Pain while urinating
- Back or side pain
- The presence of pus or blood in the urine
- The cloudy smell of urine
- Stomach pain
The symptoms of kidney infection usually appear within a few hours of infection. The symptoms start from fever to side or back pain. They increase with the severity of infection.
The symptoms should be treated on time. Otherwise, they lead to life-threatening health problems like sepsis and renal failure. The symptoms of severe infections are:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Hallucinations.
Transmission and Contagion
What is the transmission route of bacteria?
Bacteria cause kidney infections when they pass from the urinary tract to the bladder. Then they ascend from the bladder to the kidneys.
The ureters (urine tubes) are the primary route of transmission of bacteria. They transfer from the urinary bladder to the kidney.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is naturally found in the digestive system. They are harmless.
However, it causes a kidney infection when it enters the urinary bladder from outside. The route of transmission of bacteria from outside involves:
Sexual activity
Sexual activity can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is because of the potential transmission of E. coli bacteria to the urethra.
An untreatable UTI may lead to a kidney infection. However, sexual activity is not a direct cause of kidney infections.
Improper hygiene practices
They are another transmission route for bacteria. Bacteria easily transfer from the genital area to the bladder due to inadequate cleaning.
The Use of Catheters
Its use is another potential risk factor for the transmission routes for bacteria to cause kidney infection.
Are Kidney Infections Contagious?
Kidney infections are not communicable diseases. They cannot pass from one person to another.
There is a misconception that they can be transmitted through touch, skin contact, or respiratory droplets. However, this is not true. The only cause of kidney infections is bacteria that enter an individual's urinary tract and bladder.
This is a common misconception about kidney infection because of other transmissible infectious diseases.
"Infection" does not only mean that the disease is communicable. However, the bacteria that cause the infection (E. coli) can be transmitted under some circumstances.
The main cause is toilet hygiene and failure to clean the genitals with water after using the washroom. This transmission does not cause a kidney infection in another person. It leads to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which, if not treated, leads to a kidney infection.
How to Diagnose and Treat Renal Infections Effectively
Early and accurate diagnosis of renal infections is necessary. Early diagnosis prevents serious complications like chronic kidney failure or sepsis.
It allows timely and effective treatment to reduce symptoms quickly and lowers the risk of repeated infection.
Moreover, early diagnosis also helps to avoid more intensive treatments. It leads to better long-term outcomes and cost-effective care.
To diagnose a kidney infection, healthcare professionals usually take a medical history based on the symptoms.
How is a kidney infection diagnosed?
The whole diagnostic procedure includes the following steps:
Physical Examination
Physical examination includes heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, dehydration signs, and respiratory rate. It also includes assessment of mild to lower back pain, sensitivity, and tenderness.
Pelvic Examination
In young females, doctors perform pelvic examinations to identify asymptomatic pelvic inflammatory diseases.
Urine Sample
A midstream urine sample is taken to identify a kidney infection. This test is performed in the lab. The presence of bacteria and white blood cells indicates infection.
A technician also performs urinalysis and urine culture tests using a urine sample. The turnaround time for a urine culture is about 24 to 72 hours. Both symptoms and lab results of the urine help to diagnose a kidney infection.
Imaging
Imaging is widely used to diagnose kidney diseases. Imaging methods include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound scans.
These tests are performed in hospitals, and radiologists read and report on the images. The patient does not need anaesthesia for these tests.
What are preventive measures to minimise the transmission risk of kidney infection?
Minimising the risk of transmission of kidney infections is not difficult. Here are some simple steps to help prevent kidney infections.
Proper hygiene practices
After using the toilet, wash your hands and genitals thoroughly.
Stay hydrated
Ensure proper hydration. Adults should drink 8 glasses of water to flush out bacteria through urine and prevent infection.
Urinate Properly
One should not hold urine for a longer time. Regular and complete excretion of urine helps clear bacteria from the urinary tract.
Sexual hygiene
It is important to follow proper hygiene care practices after intercourse. Urination after sexual activity flushes out bacteria if the bacteria enter the urethra during sex.
Proper Treatment
Ensure proper medication and treatment if diagnosed with a UTI or kidney infection. Timely treatment prevents further complications.
How to Treat Kidney Infections and Relieve Symptoms Effectively
What are the treatment options for renal infections?
Antibiotics for Kidney Infections
Antibiotics are the primary solution to treat kidney infections. Treatment duration and antibiotics depend on the patient's disease condition and severity.
Patients with kidney infections need to take antibiotic tablets or capsules for about 7 to 14 days.
During the course, the symptoms start diminishing within a few days of treatment. However, the patient will be asked for a repeat urine culture test to ensure complete infection removal.
Some severe kidney infections require proper treatment. It prevents kidney failure and infection from spreading to the bloodstream.
The patient needs to take another course of antibiotics if the infection continues.
Painkillers for Renal Infections
Painkillers are also required for pain removal in kidney infections. Paracetamol relieves pain symptoms and high temperatures. Patients need to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen (NSAIDs). Because these drugs can worsen kidney function in patients.
Hospitalisation Considerations
Hospitalisation becomes important in some cases. For example, in pregnancy, complicated and long-term kidney infections. It requires antibiotic treatment through an intravenous (IV) drip.
Patients with an early diagnosis of kidney infection and treated promptly with antibiotics feel better after 2 weeks.
People of older ages and with underlying conditions take longer to recover. The duration of stay in the hospital depends on how severe the infection is.
Doctors will monitor the patient's condition with regular blood and urine tests. The majority of patients with kidney infection respond well to IV treatment.
As long as there are no complications, the patient typically recovers enough to leave the hospital in 3 to 7 days. However, recovery times vary based on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health. Hospital treatment also becomes necessary if:
- The patient is severely dehydrated.
- The patient is unable to swallow any food, fluids, or medicines.
- Patient with severe kidney pain and blood in the urine.
- The symptoms fail to improve within 24 hours of taking antibiotics.
- Patients have a weak immune system.
- Patients with kidney stones or catheters in the urinary tract.
- Patients have an underlying condition like polycystic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease.
- If a pregnant woman experiences a high fever, it is a serious concern that requires medical attention. It indicates a kidney infection or another type of infection that needs to be addressed promptly.
- The patient shows additional symptoms of blood poisoning, like rapid heartbeat and unconsciousness.
Home Remedies and Self-Care Practices
Home remedies and self-care practices also play an essential role in reducing symptoms of kidney infection. The following practices at home are beneficial for kidney infections.
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush out bacteria from infections. Also, avoid coffee and alcohol during the kidney infection. Otherwise, they worsen the feeling of urinating.
- Take sufficient rest for kidney infection disease. Even if the patient is normally healthy and strong, a kidney infection can be physically draining. It takes up to 2 weeks to fully recover and return to work.
- Place a heating pad on the stomach, back, or side to ease pain.
- Consume painkillers like paracetamol to relieve severe pain from a kidney infection. Consider taking pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is the best option for fever or discomfort.
- A chronic kidney disease patient needs to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, and others).
Complications and Risks
If kidney infections are not treated properly on time, they cause serious complications.
Kidney abscess
If not treated properly, a kidney infection can lead to a kidney abscess. It is a condition of pus collection inside the kidney tissue.
This occurs when the bacteria spread to other parts of the body. It causes complications in the lungs and bloodstream.
Blood poisoning (septicaemia)
When a bacterium from a kidney infection enters the blood, it leads to septicaemia. Septicaemia is poisoning of the blood.
The poisoned blood spreads through the body into all organs. It is a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment.
Severe infection
The untreated kidney infection leads to severe infection, also termed emphysematous pyelonephritis. It damages the kidney tissue and builds up toxic gas in the body. It mostly occurs in diabetic patients.
Kidney failure
The untreated symptoms of kidney infections lead to kidney failure.
Gestational Complications
Kidney infection in pregnancy causes severe complications. Pregnant women may suffer from breathing problems (adult respiratory) and the early onset of labour.
Differences Between UTIs and Kidney Infections
It is important to understand the difference between UTIs and kidney infections for proper management and treatment. Both conditions have similar symptoms, but kidney infections are more severe than UTIs.
Untreated urinary tract infections and UTIs lead to serious health complications. The UTI causes discomfort, which is generally less severe and easier to treat.
It is necessary to recognise the signs of a kidney infection. These signs are high fever, back pain, and nausea. It requires intensive and prompt treatment, sometimes even hospitalisation.
On the other hand, mild UTIs are easily managed with oral antibiotics and increased fluid intake.
|
Aspect |
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) |
Kidney Infections |
|
Location |
Affects the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) |
Affects the upper urinary tract (kidneys) |
|
Common Symptoms |
|
|
|
Severity |
Generally mild but uncomfortable; it usually doesn’t cause long-term damage. |
More severe, it can lead to kidney damage or sepsis if untreated |
|
Treatment |
|
|
|
Complications |
Rare, but causes kidney infection if untreated. |
It can cause permanent kidney damage, high blood pressure, or sepsis. |
|
Who’s at Risk? |
More common in women, especially those who are sexually active |
Anyone with untreated UTI, urinary blockages, or weakened immune systems |
Table 1: Differences Between UTIs and Kidney Infections
Preventing Renal Infections: Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health
Preventive measures are essential steps to help prevent kidney infection. It includes hygiene and lifestyle recommendations, medical interventions, and risk reduction strategies.
What steps can be taken to prevent renal infections?
Hygiene and Lifestyle Recommendations
Most kidney infections result from preexisting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Hygiene and safety measures are the best way to prevent infection from the urethra or urinary bladder. Here are some tips to avoid infection by considering hygiene practices.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria through urine.
Urination
Do not hold urine for a longer period of time. Urinate whenever there is an urge to excrete.
Sexual intercourse
Follow proper hygiene practices and always urinate after sexual intercourse. Always wash the genitals before and after having sex.
Hygiene
Properly wash the genitals every day after using the washroom. Avoid using deodorant sprays or a douche to clean the genitals.
Toilet hygiene
Properly wipe the anus from front to back after passing stools. It reduces the risk of spreading bacteria to the genitals.
Fibre
A sufficient amount of fibre is crucial to excrete out stool with all toxins without causing irritation or skin lesions.
Constipation increases the chance of developing a kidney infection. A low amount of fibre also leads to kidney stones.
Medical Interventions
Medical interventions are also important for the proper treatment of kidney infections. They include
Vaccinations
Vaccination is crucial for high-risk individuals. For example, people with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or compromised immune systems. They should discuss available options with their doctor.
Prophylactic Antibiotics
Some patients need a low dose of antibiotics to prevent repeated infections. Especially in cases of frequent UTIs.
Follow-up
Regular medical follow-ups are essential for early detection. Also, early treatment of potential issues is recommended in cases of a history of kidney infections.
Risk Reduction Strategies
Risk reduction strategies and management for kidney infection are crucial. They include dietary adjustment, managing chronic complications, and avoiding harmful substances.
Can a kidney infection lead to chronic kidney disease?
Yes, if the kidney infection is left untreated, it leads to chronic kidney infection. The following risk factors regarding kidney infection include
Dietary Adjustments
Kidney infection patients should limit salt intake, increase fluid intake, and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Excess salt strains the kidneys and decreases their functionality.
Increased fluid intake helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and flushes them out through urine. Also, focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods support overall health and immune function, reducing the risk of infection.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Limit the use of substances that can harm the kidneys. For example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), excessive alcohol, and tobacco intake.
Myths and Misconceptions
How do renal infections relate to urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
A UTI is linked with the urinary tract. It includes infection in the kidneys and tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Kidney infections involve the infection of only the lower urinary tract: the bladder (where urine is stored) and the urethra tube that excretes urine.
There is much information available on the internet regarding kidney infections. But not all information is accurate and reliable. Here are some common myths and misconceptions highlighted with the accurate truth about kidney infection and UTI.
Myth 01: Only women can get a urinary tract infection.
Truth: This myth is wrong because UTIs can affect both men and women. The UTI in men is often more complicated and can involve the prostate.
However, women are at greater risk for a UTI due to the shorter urethra in women than in men. It is easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder and cause an infection.
UTIs are also more common in postmenopausal women due to decreased oestrogen levels that change vaginal and urethral tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Myth 02: All UTIs cause symptoms.
Truth: It is also a misconception that all UTIs cause symptoms. Mostly, UTIs show symptoms, including pain or burning while urinating, but not all do. They also make patients feel that they need to urinate often.
However, other UTIs could be due to bacteria in the urinary tract but do not show any symptoms. They are more prevalent in older adults or those who use a catheter to empty their bladders. UTIs without showing symptoms are the result of asymptomatic bacteria.
Myth 03: Only Antibiotics Can Treat All UTIs.
Truth: It is not necessarily true that all UTIs require antibiotics for treatment. Some people do not show any symptoms of UTI but have bacteria in their bladder due to asymptomatic bacteria. In this case, no treatment or antibiotics would be recommended, as the bacteria are not causing issues.
However, in cases of UTI in pregnant women, people with planned urologic surgery, and weak immune systems, proper treatment is needed. Antibiotics treat UTIs. They are beneficial for patients who show painful symptoms due to bacteria in the urine.
Myth 04: A UTI will go away on its own.
Truth: Not all UTIs are treated without medicine. A UTI caused by bacteria that don't show any symptoms might go away on its own without needing treatment. However, UTIs with symptoms require proper treatment and rarely resolve on their own.
A person with UTI symptoms, such as a burning sensation and pain during urination, needs proper treatment. The patient should visit a healthcare team for a urine culture and proper treatment.
Myth 05: UTIs are contagious and can be passed to your partner.
Truth: UTIs do not spread through sexual activity or physical touch with others.
Myth 06: UTIs are sexually transmitted infections.
Truth: This is somehow a wrong misconception. Sexual activity increases the risk but does not cause a UTI. Therefore, UTIs are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
During intercourse, bacteria can travel into the urethra. It is a small tube that carries urine out of the bladder. To lower the risk, try urinating after sex to flush out some of the bacteria before it can lead to an infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
In severe cases, it is important to seek medical help to prevent further health-related complications.
Consult a doctor if someone observes severe symptoms of a UTI or kidney infection. Also, go to a healthcare provider if someone is being treated for a UTI, but the symptoms aren't getting better.
The negligence in symptoms leads to severe complications. These include blood poisoning, damage to body tissue, renal failure, or even death. So, a patient should immediately consult with a doctor in the following cases:
- High-grade fever due to a kidney infection
- Severe nausea and vomiting due to infection
- No improvements in symptoms with antibiotics
- The patient has a health condition or a weak immune system.
- Women are having kidney infections and are pregnant.
Conclusion
UTI is the primary cause of kidney infections, which can also result from various other conditions. Females of all ages and males over 65 are more prone to kidney infections. Most kidney infections resolve themselves with plenty of fluids and water and a course of antibiotics. But some people may require additional treatment.
Good hygiene, clean toilet habits, wiping the anus from front to back after passing stools, and urinating and washing the genitals after sex reduce chances of kidney infections.
If a person suspects a kidney infection, consult a medical professional. Some infections can lead to more severe conditions that require immediate hospital treatment to prevent further complications