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· 31 Jan 2022

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What causes Kidney Infection?

Kidneys are a pair of bean shaped organ which helps the body to get rid of various toxins produced on daily basis as well as to maintain electrolyte balance. Thus, its health and normal functioning is crucial for normal body functioning. Kidneys are one of the common organs of body which easily catch infection due to varied reasons. One such reason is bacterial infection. Either one or both kidneys can be affected and the infection must be treated soon. If it is not treated on time, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and lead to fatal consequences.

What causes kidney infection?
Kidney infection is caused by bacteria and viruses. The bacteria/virus can enter through the urinary tract, ureters, or urethra.

Who gets Kidney Infections?
Kidney infection can affect anyone. The likelihood of getting a Kidney infection increases under following circumstances:
•    One has bladder infection which can spread to the kidneys.
•    Gender: Women are more likely to get the infection in comparison to men. Since women’s urethra is much smaller than that of men; having a shorter urethra makes it easy for the bacteria to enter the body and travel upward to the urinary tract.
•    Have kidney stones or enlarged prostate
•    Being pregnant
•    One is having diabetes
•    Have a weak immune system due to diabetes, HIV, or one is under immuno-suppressant prescription.
•    Use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder.
•    Presence of health problem known as Vesicoureteral Reflux, which allows urine to flow backward to the urinary tract and up the ureters thus lead to kidney infections.

Symptoms of Kidney Infection
Some of the common symptoms of Kidney infection are:
•    Fever
•    Chills
•    Vomiting
•    Pain in back or groin
•    Nausea
•    Recurrent peeing
•    Burning sensation while urinating
•    Presence of Pus or blood in the urine
•    Cloudy appearance or unusual smell in the urine
If one notices any of these symptoms, should not delay consultation with a health care professional. If the doctor is unsure, he may recommend a urine test for testing the presence of bacteria or other signs of infection. Even sometimes blood tests or imaging tests could also be recommended for conformation.

Kidney Infection treatment
For kidney infection, generally antibiotics are prescribed until the exact cause and type of infection is identified. Once the urine test results come, the doctor may recommend a different type of antibiotics depending on the infection type the patient is having.
If the infection is in a serious condition, the doctor will immediately admit the patient and follow a different line of treatment.
In case, the Kidney infection was caused by the urinary tract issue due to the problem with its shape; a correction surgery is advised by doctor after comprehensive analysis of all the associated factors. It helps to prevent kidney infections in the future.

Prevention measures
We can prevent Kidney infections or lower the chances by:
•    Drinking a lot of water
•    Not withholding the urine: Urinating as soon as the body signals.
•    Urinating after sex
•    Wiping thoroughly after using bathroom, especially if in case of women.
•    Avoid deodorants or douches on your genitals.

Note: The purpose of this article is to create general awareness among the readers. The information provided is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute to medical practitioner's recommendations. In case you find above stated symptoms in you or your known, kindly consult a physician or a specialist regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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