Kidney Infection

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney or kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the lower back. Their main function is to remove waste from the body and to balance the water and mineral content of the blood by removing water. The waste and water combine to form urine.

Causes

Kidney Infection may be caused by:
  • A bladder infection that was not treated properly (most common cause)
  • Conditions that slow the flow of urine from the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones
  • Examination of bladder and urethra using a cystoscope
  • Surgery of the urinary tract
  • Use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: female
  • Sexual activity
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Birth defect of the urinary tract, including vesicoureteral reflux
  • Blockage of the urinary tract, including:
    • Tumors
    • Enlarged prostate gland
    • Kidney stones
  • Catheter or stent placed in the urinary tract
  • Polycystic kidneys
  • Sickle-cell anemia
  • Previous kidney transplant
  • Weakened immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain in the abdomen, lower back, side, and groin
  • Frequent urination
  • Urgent urination that produces only a small amount of urine
  • Sensation of a full bladder even after urination
  • Burning pain with urination
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pus and blood in the urine
  • Loss of appetite

Symptoms

After exposure, the Rabies virus may incubate for 10 days to one or more years in humans before symptoms appear. Usually symptoms develop within 3-7 weeks, after which treatment will not stall the progression of the infection. Death usually occurs within a week after symptoms appear.
Symptoms in humans may include:
  • Pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the bite wound or other site of viral entry
  • Stiff muscles
  • Increased production of thick saliva
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, fatigue, nausea
  • Painful spasms and contractions of the throat when exposed to water (called "hydrophobia")
  • Erratic, excited, or bizarre behavior
  • Paralysis
Symptoms in animals may include:
  • Erratic behavior (often overly aggressive or vicious)
  • Disorientation (e.g., nocturnal animal such as a bat or fox appearing in daylight)

Diagnosis

Kidney Infection is diagnosed with urine tests. You will provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The doctor may ask you to do a "clean catch". This requires that the genital area be cleansed before the specimen is given. A clean catch reduces the likelihood that the urine will be contaminated by bacteria that normally live on the skin.
Urine is examined for bacteria, white blood cells, blood, and other abnormal elements. A culture with sensitivities checks to see what kind of bacteria are growing and what kinds of antibiotics will kill them.
If the infection does not clear up promptly after treatment, or if you have had several Kidney Infections, you may have other tests to see if there is an abnormality of the kidney, ureters, and bladder. These tests may include:

  • X-ray
  • Kidney ultrasound
  • Cystogram
  • Voiding
  • Cystourethrography

Treatment

Bacterial infection of the kidney is treated with antibiotics. It is very important to take the medication as directed and to finish it all even if the symptoms have stopped. Untreated or inadequately treated Kidney Infection can lead to chronic infection, scarring of the kidney, and permanent kidney damage. Your doctor will decide if you are well enough to stay home and take antibiotics by mouth. You may need to be in the hospital where you will receive antibiotics and fluids through an intravenous line.

Prevention

Since pyelonephritis is frequently a complication of a bladder infection, it can best be prevented by preventing bladder infections.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (about 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses per day). Drinking cranberry juice may help prevent bladder infection.
  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Urinate when you need to. Dont wait.
  • Take showers rather than baths.
  • Women should wipe from the front to the back after using the toilet to avoid fecal contamination of the urethra.
  • Women should urinate before and after sexual intercourse. Drinking an extra glass of water after intercourse will help flush bacteria.
  • Women should avoid genital deodorant sprays and douches.