What is Kidney Infection

Kidney infection is a specific type of urinary tract infection that generally begins in your bladder and travels up into your kidneys. Kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys or spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection, if it is not treated properly. It is necessary to prompt medical attention. Two of the most common kidney disorders because of infections are bacterial pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.

1) Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory disease involving the renal glomeruli of both kidneys.
2) Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of one or both kidneys with variable manifestations.

Causes of Kidney Infection

Most common cause of the glomerulonephritis is Strep infection. Pyelonephritis can be caused by any of the organisms that cause lower urinary tract infection. Some other causes are given below -
1) Insertion of instruments into the urinary tract
2) Infections with bacteria
3) Any Obstructions of the urinary tract that prevent the flow of urine
4) Infections with bacteria

Kidney stones, Vesicoureteral reflux, Bladder tumor, Nerve problems, Diabetes mellitus, Older age, Pregnancy, Sexual activity are some risk factors of kidney infections.

Signs And Symptoms of Kidney Infection

The symptoms of kidney infection include -
1) Frequent or urgent urination
2) Low back pain
3) Cloudy urine
4) Strong-smelling urine
5) Pain above the pelvic bone
6) Passing small amounts of urine
7) Burning or painful urination

Treatment of Kidney Infection

Any person who have kidney infection and not experiencing dehydration, infection of the bloodstream, nausea and vomiting the patient is prescribed a two-week course of antibiotics. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones are generally prescribed for the treatment of kidney infections. In severe condition the person should be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics intravenously.

Prevention

You can take the following steps to reduce the kidney infection -
1) Frequently urination
2) Shower rather than bathe
3) wipe carefully
4) Wash gently
5) Avoid using feminine products in your genital area