Introduction
Kidney infections are caused due to infections of the urinary tract. The bacteria causing infections can be transmitted into the urinary tract and multiply. However, most of the time, these pathogens are flushed out during urination and prevent infections. But can infect the urinary tract in various ways. UTIs are more common in females than males because the female urethra is closer to the anus and shorter than the male urethra. Therefore, the bacteria can invade easily due to the shorter distance and cause infection. Kidney infections also spread similarly and mainly occur if the urinary tract infections in the bladder are left untreated, which can transfer to one or both kidneys.
What Are the Causes of Various Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections?
1. Kidney Infections: These mainly occur due to untreated urinary tract infections or UTIs that can spread upwards and affect the kidneys, causing cramps. Therefore, kidney infections occur due to the progression of UTIs and can cause damage to the kidneys and other severe complications. In addition, various other risk factors can lead to an infection.
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Weakened immune system.
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Catheter drain from the urinary tract.
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Pregnancy.
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Kidney stones block the urinary tract.
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Backflow of urine into the urinary tract or vesicoureteral reflux.
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Spinal damage or nerve-related disorder that prevents the sensation of bladder fullness in a person.
2. Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs are mainly caused by the bacteria E. coli (Escherichia coli). However, various other causes and risk factors can result in UTI and cause symptoms. These include:
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Having multiple sexual partners (sexually transmitted infections like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can cause infection in the urethra).
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A person is not urinating before and after getting involved in sexual activity.
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Menopause.
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A person having a maternal or past history of urinary tract infections.
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People use unlubricated condoms, douches, diaphragms, and spermicides.
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People wearing synthetic underwear.
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People have a shorter distance between the urethra and anus (especially females).
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections?
The symptoms caused by kidney infections are similar to other types of urinary tract infections and include the following.
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Foul-smelling urine.
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Burning sensation and pain while urinating.
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Abdominal discomfort.
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Frequent urge to pass urine.
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Bloody and cloudy urine.
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Passing urine in very small amounts.
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UTI can cause cramps.
In addition, a person may experience signs and symptoms if the infection reaches the kidneys. These may include:
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Chills.
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Fever.
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Vomiting and nausea.
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Pain in the lower back and sides.
How Are Kidney Infections and Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed?
The doctor diagnoses the case by asking the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing and taking the medical and personal history of the person. This helps them to differentiate between kidney infections and other urinary tract infections. A physical examination is followed by recommending a urine test of the patient for the diagnosis of UTI. The urine sample is analyzed to detect pus, blood, and bacteria in the urine that is causing the infection. In addition, the urine sample is also used to culture the bacteria for better diagnosis of the type of infection.
The doctor also recommends blood tests to look for systemic signs indicating infection. The blood tests usually include blood cultures, white blood cell count, and inflammatory marker levels. This helps identify the bacteria-causing infections to provide treatment to the patient accordingly. The doctor will recommend imaging tests for suspected kidney infection, such as computed tomography or CT scans for the pelvis and abdomen.
How Can a Person Know That They Have Kidney Infection?
Only doctors can help to diagnose kidney infection. If the person has a urinary tract infection, fever, and pain in the sides and back, there is a chance of kidney infection.
How Are Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections Treated?
If one suspects a urinary tract infection (UTI), the person should consult a doctor who can provide appropriate treatment, which may include an online UTI prescription. The treatment for urinary tract infections and kidney infections can be done with the help of antibiotics. The doctor prescribes antibiotics depending on the bacteria responsible for the infection and the severity of the infectious condition. The initial treatment is an antibiotic that is effective against other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. However, the treatment can be modified depending on the urine culture test. The doctor can then prescribe antibiotics specific to the infection-causing bacteria.
Mild urinary tract infections with cramps can be managed with an antibiotic course of three to five days. In contrast, treatment for kidney infection can extend up to seven to 14 days, depending on the class of antibiotics the doctor gives.
A person usually starts feeling better after a few days of treatment, but an entire course of antibiotic treatment should be completed for complete recovery. If left untreated, the causative bacteria may not be eliminated; the infection may persist and aggravate the condition.
During pregnancy, the doctor may recommend regular follow-ups and urine samples to check if the symptoms have resolved completely. This is done to ensure that if the bacteria is still present in the urinary tract, it can be treated with another antibiotic course before it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Severe kidney infections may also need hospitalization of the person, followed by intravenous antibiotics and fluids. There is a chance for sepsis to occur if the urinary tract infection is not treated.
How Does Sepsis Occur Due to Untreated UTI?
An untreated urinary tract infection can result in sepsis, a condition called urosepsis. This occurs when the infection is untreated and spreads to the kidney. This is a very critical condition which requires immediate treatment. Intravenous fluid, antibiotics, and medications can help prevent this condition's progress.
How Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented?
Urinary tract infections, including kidney infections, can be prevented in the following ways:
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Urinating Before and After Sex: This helps the person flush out the bacteria that may be present in the urinary tract before or after sexual activity. If not, this can cause cramps due to UTI.
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Drinking Lots of Fluids: Fluids help dilute urine and cause frequent urination, removing bacteria from the urinary tract. This helps to deal with the cramps.
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Wiping From Front to Back: This prevents the bacteria from the anus from being brought forward to the urethra.
Can Infections in the Kidney Subsides on Its Own?
For some individuals, lower UTI can clear independently, but kidney infections must be treated. When they are left untreated, it can result in severe complications. These conditions need to be consulted with the doctors immediately.
What Are the Complications Related to Kidney Infection?
One of the most common complications of kidney infection is a condition called EPN (emphysematous pyelonephritis). It is a severe infectious condition where the kidney's tissues get destroyed faster, and the bacteria release a toxic gas that accumulates within the kidney.
Conclusion
Kidney infections are mainly urinary tract infections caused by the spread of untreated UTIs to the kidneys. However, kidney infections are a more severe type of UTI that can cause kidney damage and various fatal complications that can be life-threatening as well. Many antibiotics are used to treat UTIs and kidney infections, depending on the type of bacteria involved, and the condition can be managed with timely intervention. Therefore, a person experiencing the symptoms of urinary tract infections should consult the doctor immediately to rule out the cause and avail proper treatment to avoid complications.
