Summary about Disease
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that specifically affects one or both kidneys. It occurs when bacteria enter the kidneys, often from the bladder, causing inflammation and potential damage. It requires prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a kidney infection include:
Fever
Chills
Back, side (flank), or groin pain
Abdominal pain
Frequent urination
Urgent need to urinate
Painful urination
Nausea
Vomiting
Pus or blood in the urine (hematuria)
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Causes
Kidney infections are typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and traveling up to the kidneys. The most common culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the bowel. Other potential causes include:
Ascending infection: Bacteria from a bladder infection (cystitis) travel up the ureters to the kidneys.
Blockage in the urinary tract: Kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or structural abnormalities can obstruct urine flow, increasing the risk of infection.
Vesicoureteral reflux: A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys.
Catheter use: Catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Surgery: Procedures on the urinary tract.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for kidney infections. Common antibiotics prescribed include:
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
Cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime, ceftriaxone)
Amoxicillin Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be recommended to manage pain and fever. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
Is Communicable
Kidney infections themselves are not communicable or contagious. You cannot "catch" a kidney infection from someone else. However, the bacteria that cause the infection, such as E. coli, can be transmitted through fecal-oral routes, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene.
Precautions
To help prevent kidney infections:
Drink plenty of fluids: This helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Urinate when you need to: Don't hold urine for extended periods.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet: This prevents bacteria from the anus from entering the urethra.
Urinate after sexual activity: This helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
Avoid irritating feminine products: Such as douches and scented hygiene products.
Manage underlying conditions: Such as diabetes.
How long does an outbreak last?
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms of a kidney infection typically begin to improve within 24 to 72 hours. The full course of antibiotics usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the specific antibiotic used. It's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a kidney infection typically involves:
Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested for bacteria, white blood cells, and blood.
Urine culture: A urine sample is cultured to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for signs of infection and kidney function.
Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be performed to look for structural abnormalities, blockages, or abscesses in the kidneys or urinary tract.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but a general progression is:
Initial symptoms: Frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and pain during urination may be the first signs.
Progression: As the infection spreads to the kidneys, fever, chills, back or side pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may develop.
Severe symptoms: In severe cases, blood in the urine, confusion, or altered mental status may occur. With treatment, symptoms should start improving within 24-72 hours.
Important Considerations
Kidney infections can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Untreated kidney infections can lead to complications such as kidney damage, scarring, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection).
Pregnant women are at higher risk for kidney infections, which can lead to premature labor and other complications.
People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or structural abnormalities of the urinary tract are also at increased risk.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days of starting antibiotics, contact your doctor immediately.