Kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious condition that can lead to hospitalization if not treated. It is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract that carries urine and traveling up to the kidneys.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most common causes of kidney infection. If you experience any of the following kidney infection symptoms, please see your doctor right away.
What Is A Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and travel to the kidneys. The urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).
Most kidney infections are caused by bacteria that enter through the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. Kidney infection can also occur if bacteria from other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream, spread to the kidneys.
Kidney infections can be either acute or chronic. Acute infections occur suddenly and usually clear up within a few weeks with treatment. Chronic infections develop over time and can cause chronic kidney disease if left untreated.
Kidney infections are more common in women than men due to the shorter length of the urethra in women. Kidney infections can be serious and even life-threatening and may even cause permanent kidney damage if left untreated.
Types Of Kidney Infection
There are several types of kidney infections, and each has different symptoms and treatments. These are:
Pyelonephritis
The most common type is pyelonephritis, which occurs when bacteria enter the kidney through the urethra and begin to multiply. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower back or side, and bloody or cloudy urine.
Pyelonephritis can usually be treated with antibiotics, but some cases may require hospitalization.
Urethritis
Another common type of kidney infection is called urethritis, which occurs when bacteria infect the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). The kidney infection symptoms include fever, pain in the lower back or side, and bloody or cloudy urine.
Urethritis can usually be treated with antibiotics, but some cases may require surgery.
kidney infection can be a serious condition, so it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have an infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications.
How Is Kidney Infection Diagnosed?
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is usually diagnosed by a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and lab tests.
Urine Test
The first step is usually urine tests, which can show signs of a kidney infection, such as blood or pus in the urine.
Blood Test
A doctor may also order a blood test to check for high levels of white blood cells, which can indicate a kidney infection.
Imaging
In some cases, a doctor may need to use imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis.
If a kidney infection is suspected, it is important to see a doctor promptly, as the condition can quickly become serious. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications.
Causes Of Kidney Infection
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Bacteria usually enter the body through the urethra and travel up to the bladder, causing urinary tract infection (UTI). From there, they can move on to infect the kidney.
This is most commonly seen in women due to their shorter urethra.
2. Kidney Stones
When urine contains high levels of minerals and salts, kidney stones can form. These small, hard stones can block the flow of urine and lead to infection.
3. Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra in men. As men age, the prostate begins to enlarge and can squeeze the urethra, making it difficult to urinate.
This can lead to an accumulation of urine in the bladder, which increases the risk of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
4. Weak Immune System
People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to infection. This includes those with a bladder infection, HIV/AIDS, cancer, etc.
5. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the kidneys are under additional stress due to the increased blood volume and pressure on the pelvic area from the growing uterus. This can cause bacteria to enter the urinary tract more easily and lead to infection in pregnant women.
6. Catheterization
A catheter is a small tube that is inserted into the bladder to allow urine to drain. This can be necessary for people who are unable to urinate on their own. However, catheters can also provide an entry point for bacteria and lead to a kidney infection.
7. Diabetes
There are many complications that can arise from diabetes, and one of the most serious is a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Diabetes can increase the risk of kidney infection in two ways.
First, high blood sugar levels can damage the filtering mechanism of the kidneys, making it easier for bacteria to enter the kidney. In addition, diabetes can also lead to nerve damage in the urinary tract, which can make it difficult to empty the bladder completely and allow bacteria to build up.
As a result, people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing a kidney infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.
8. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney infection. When blood pressure is too high, it puts extra stress on the arteries and causes them to harden and narrow. This narrowing of the arteries decreases blood flow to the kidneys, damaging the kidneys and leading to kidney infection.
In addition, high blood pressure can damage the Kidneys’ filtering system, making it more difficult for the kidneys to remove wastes and excess fluid from the body. As a result, bacteria are more likely to build up in the kidneys and cause a severe infection.
9. Spinal Cord Damage
When the spinal cord is damaged, the urinary tract can become blocked. This blockage can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, leading to a kidney infection.
10. Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
This is a condition in which urine travels back up from the bladder to the kidneys. This can happen when the muscles and valves that normally keep urine flowing in one direction are weakened or damaged.
A bladder infection may also be caused by VUR, which can lead to serious health problems. In most cases, VUR is caused by a birth defect or an injury to the urinary tract.
However, it can also be a side effect of certain medications or medical procedures to treat digestive and kidney diseases.
Conclusion
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious condition that can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys. Kidney infections can be painful and cause fever, chills, and nausea.
If left untreated, kidney infections can lead to kidney failure, sepsis, or death. The best way to prevent kidney infection is to practice good hygiene and urinate frequently. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
If you think you may have a kidney infection, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can start treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid kidney failure.
