Kidney Infection: Risk Factors & Symptoms

Signs of Kidney Infection

Kidneys remove waste material from the blood and produce urine. Urine excretes this waste out of the body.

A kidney infection usually occurs due to a virus or bacteria in the urinary tract. Any part of the urinary tract can get an infection, and the germs can travel to the kidney. If not treated on time, a kidney infection can have severe complications, like kidney damage.

What is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection occurs when one or both kidneys get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Kidney infections can be sudden or chronic. If not treated promptly, they can be painful and even life-threatening.

What are the Causes of Kidney Infection?

The kidneys are a part of the urinary tract. The other parts of the urinary tract are ureters (thin tubes that carry urine to the bladder), bladder (stores urine), and urethra (carries urine outside the body).

Viruses or bacteria can infect any part of the urinary tract. Usually, an infection in the bladder or the ureters can spread to the kidney, causing a kidney infection.

What are the Risk Factors for Kidney Infection?

Certain risk factors can put one at an increased risk of a kidney infection. These include:

1. Sex

Women are more prone to kidney infections than men. The reason for this is a shorter urethra in women, making it easier for the bacteria to travel to the bladder from outside. Once the bladder gets infected, the infection can travel to the kidneys.

2. Urinary Tract Blockage

A kidney stone, a narrow urethra, or an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract blockage. A blocked urinary tract slows urine flow and can cause a kidney infection.

3. Weakened Immune System

Medical conditions and medications that can make the immune system weak put one at a higher risk of catching a kidney infection. Some medical conditions like HIV, diabetes, and certain drugs taken after organ transplant can weaken the immune system.

4. Nerve Damage Around the Bladder

Spinal cord damage or nerve damage around the bladder can block the pain associated with a urinary tract infection. This blockage can make it harder to notice the infection and its spread to the kidneys.

5. Urinary Catheter

People who use urinary catheters for various reasons are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection and a kidney infection.

6. Urine Backup

A condition called vesicoureteral reflux causes a small amount of urine to flow back up to one or both kidneys. It commonly occurs in kids and increases the chances of developing a kidney infection.

7. Urinary Retention

Certain medical conditions like Multiple Sclerosis make it difficult to empty one’s bladder, increasing the risk of developing a kidney infection.

8. Shape of Urinary Tract

An abnormal shape of the urinary tract can cause problems with urine flow, making one more susceptible to kidney infections.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Infection?

Kidney infection symptoms can occur after a couple of days. They can vary based on age and typically include:

1. Fever and chills
2. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
3. Frequent urination
4. Pain in the back, side or groin
5. Strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away
6. Blood or pus in urine
7. Cloudy or smelly urine
8. Pain in the abdomen

How is a Infection Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a kidney infection involves a doctor checking the medical history and conducting some tests such as:

1. Rectal Examination: This test is for males to check the enlargement of the prostate.
2. Urinalysis: A urine sample is examined for bacteria and white blood cells to confirm infection.
3. Urine Culture: Urine culture can be grown in the lab to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection.
4. Kidney Function Test: A kidney function test checks for albumin content in the urine over 24 hours. A high albumin content in the urine can denote kidney disease.

How to Prevent Kidney Infections?

Some steps to follow for preventing kidney infections include:

1. Being properly hydrated
2. Avoiding delay in urination
3. Urinating as soon as possible after sex
4. Practicing proper wiping from front to back after a bowel movement

Kidney infections require prompt medical attention to avoid kidney damage and other complications. If an individual experiences any kidney infection symptoms given here, they should consult a doctor and book a kidney function test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

 

1. What are kidney infection symptoms in women?

Kidney infection symptoms in women include:

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Nausea or vomiting
4. A burning sensation or pain while urinating
5. Frequent urge to urinate
6. Abdominal pain, back pain, side pain or genital pain
7. Blood or pus in urine

 

2. What are the complications of kidney infection?

Some complications of kidney infection include:

1. Kidney disease
2. High blood pressure
3. Kidney failure
4. Blood poisoning
5. Pregnancy complications