Kidney infection, or Pyelonephritis, is an infection caused by bacteria. It is a type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), where infection originating at the urethra travels to the kidneys. Urinary tract infections and kidney infections are equally common in case of men as well as women, however women are at a higher risk of developing it.
Symptoms
Pain and difficulty during urination is the most prominent symptom of kidney infection, other kidney diseases, and of urinary tract infection. Apart from that, the following symptoms may also be seen:
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Strong, frequent urge for urination
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Strong/foul smelling urine
- Fever
- Pain in groin
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness/tiredness
Pain in the lower abdomen, that begins in the abdomen but travels to the back, is also one of the significant symptoms of kidney infection. Sometimes, the symptoms may be mild and not easily identifiable. However, any discomfort, feeling of confusion, etc., should be bought to the doctor's notice immediately. Although rare, if the infection is not timely treated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Treatment
The doctor will undertake examination and also advise X-ray, MRI, blood and urine tests to diagnose the disease. A course of antibiotics is usually effective in treating the infection. Painkillers are also prescribed to alleviate pain and fever. In case dehydration is observed, the doctor will prescribe medication. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids (IV) may be required in order to treat dehydration.
The symptoms begin to subside within a couple of days of taking antibiotics. However, it is recommended to complete the entire course. In case kidney infection is observed frequently, there may be a possibility of other underlying medical disorder.
Prevention
Apart from the traditional treatment method, there are several preventive measures that should be followed in order to lower the risk of contracting infection.
➡ One should avoid holding urine or delaying it.
➡ Having adequate amount of water can treat and prevent dehydration.
➡ Follow a healthy diet and eat fresh food.
➡ One should practice cleanliness and hygiene.
With proper treatment methods, kidney infection can be cured within a couple of days. It is advisable to identify the symptoms at an early stage to get the condition treated immediately.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.