What is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms don’t always present themselves clearly. While most kidneys will eventually recover, some infections may require hospitalization or multiple treatments at home to help alleviate symptoms and prevent kidney damage. A kidney infection should not be taken lightly. If you are experiencing acute pain, consider visiting an emergency room for evaluation. Treatments for kidney infections can be palliative or curative. Palliative treatments, such as pain medications and antibiotics, relieve symptoms, while curative treatments aim to fight off the infection entirely.

Kidney Infection Symptoms

Understanding the symptoms of a kidney infection is vital for early diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, you should avoid certain foods, such as cured meats, shellfish, and dairy products, to reduce the risk of developing a kidney infection. For example, individuals diagnosed with chronic renal disease may suffer from renal colic, a burning sensation in the lower abdomen. Renal colic occurs when food wastes and toxins pass through the kidneys too quickly, causing irritation. A balanced diet, rich in fluids, low-protein, and high-complex carbohydrate foods, can help manage these symptoms.

Common kidney infection symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, or side of your leg, often accompanied by fever.
• Pain when passing urine, or a wet sensation when passing urine.
• Dark red or brown urine that persists for several days. Contact a doctor if this occurs, as it may indicate the infection has spread.

In most cases, a kidney infection is caused by E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the intestines or stool. Other causes may include bladder infections, kidney stones, or treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.

Causes of Kidney Infections

• Bacterial infections (E. coli) from the intestines.
• Bladder infections that spread to the kidneys.
• Kidney stones that block urine flow and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Radiation treatment or chemotherapy, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.

Early Warning Signs of Kidney Infections

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Frequent urination, producing four to six glasses of urine in a 24-hour period.
• Blood in the urine, followed by a burning sensation during urination.
• Fever, abdominal pain, chills, fatigue, and nausea. In severe cases, shock or septicemia (blood poisoning) may occur.

Complications from Kidney Infections

Kidney infections can lead to severe complications if left untreated. For example, the infection may spread and cause sepsis, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself, leading to inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms of sepsis include:

• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Chills, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Back or flank pain, especially when lying down

Who is at Risk of Kidney Infections?

Certain groups of people are more prone to developing kidney infections, such as:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones

Kidney infections are among the most common infectious diseases that affect other organs. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 730,000 people develop kidney infections each year in the United States alone. Although anyone can develop a kidney infection, certain groups are at increased risk, as mentioned above.

Conclusion

Recognising the symptoms and causes of kidney infections is critical to receiving prompt treatment and avoiding complications. While many infections clear up with proper care, some cases may require more aggressive treatment or even surgery. If you experience any of the symptoms outlined above, contact a healthcare professional immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

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