Early Warning Signs and Complications of Kidney Infections
We can call a kidney infection a type of urinary tract infection or UTI. As you are aware, most kidney infections are due to viruses and bacteria. The two first infect your lower urinary tract, which is your bladder. From here, the infection moves up towards one or both of your kidneys. Your kidneys are also essential parts of your urinary tract. In medical terminology, this condition is known as Pyelonephritis. It can be life-threatening. Seek medical help if you notice any signs of kidney infection. Here in this article, we will discuss kidney infection symptoms in men and women.
Pyelonephritis can be serious and life threatening. Persons who already have an underlying condition of kidney stones have higher chances of developing kidney infection. Furthermore, the presence of bacteria and virus can give rise to serious conditions such as sepsis. So, it is wise to seek immediate medical help when the symptoms of kidney infection become apparent. Sometimes, the defence system of your body fails and bacteria or virus can cause a UTI in the bladder. If you have any symptoms of bladder infection, visit your doctor.
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Kidney Infection Symptoms in Men
Kidney infection or UTI affects a few younger men. Men who are above 50 are sometimes prone to kidney infection in a different way. The prostate gland (a gland at the bottom of the bladder and close to the urethra) can enlarge and subsequently obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder. The condition is known as benign hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can prevent the bladder from emptying fully. Now, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and cause an infection.
Cystitis is yet another common condition in men who practise unnatural sex and those who do not undergo circumcision. Some other factors that may increase the chances of UTI include obstructions, which are caused by partial blockage of the urethra- it is known as a stricture. The other cause is the non-natural such as rubber catheter tubes to relieve an obstruction in the urethra. All of these factors may lead to a kidney infection. Some of the symptoms of a kidney infection include:
An intense need to urinate.
Unexpected frequent urination.
Discomfort, pain, or burning sensation during urination.
Getting up from sleep to pass urine.
Tenderness in the bladder region.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the upper back or in the side
Fever with or without chills.
Kidney Infection Symptoms in Women
Women, compared to men, are more affected by kidney infections. So are pregnant mothers, infants under two years of age, and people who are above 60 years. According to estimates, 3 to 4 men in every 10,000 and 15 to 17 women in every 10,000 suffer from a kidney infection.
Women are More Likely to Develop Kidney Infection if -
They had a UTI in the bladder during the past one year,
They are pregnant which results in hormonal change
Have problems in the urinary tract-narrowed urethra, kidney stone, or enlarge prostate.
Have urine reflux, or back up to one or both kidneys.
Have diabetes or a compromised immune system.
Have a spinal cord injury or nerve damage near the bladder.
Have trouble in emptying the bladder fully.
Are sexually active, leading to irritation in the urethra.
Symptoms of a kidney infection in women include fever, chills, back or groin pain, abdominal pain, frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation while urinating, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, pus or blood in urine.
Complications
Whether men or women, a severe kidney infection can become life-threatening if left unattended for long, especially if there are certain underlying conditions. One has to seek immediate medical attention. If there are signs of bloody urine or nausea and vomiting, then in such cases medical help is the first requirement.
As you are aware, the kidneys are an essential part of the urinary tract system in our body. For the smooth function of the human systems, all the systems within our body have to work efficiently. The Kidneys work as a filter within our body. All waste products and excess fluid are thrown out by the kidneys in the form of urine. Hormones produced by kidneys control calcium metabolism and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
FAQs on Kidney Infection Symptoms: What to Watch For
1. What are the first signs and symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)?
The primary symptoms of a kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, often appear quickly and can be quite severe. Key indicators to watch for include:
High temperature (fever) and chills.
Pain in your back, side (flank), or groin.
Nausea and vomiting.
Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine.
Painful or burning sensation during urination.
Increased frequency of urination.
2. What is the main cause of a kidney infection?
A kidney infection is most commonly caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the kidneys. The most frequent bacterial culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the bowel. An existing but untreated urinary tract infection (UTI) in the bladder is a major risk factor for developing a kidney infection.
3. Why are women generally more susceptible to kidney infections than men?
Women are more prone to kidney infections due to anatomical differences. The female urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body—is significantly shorter than in males. This shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria from the genital and anal areas to enter the bladder and subsequently travel up to the kidneys, leading to an infection.
4. How is a kidney infection different from a lower urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A lower urinary tract infection (UTI), such as cystitis, is an infection confined to the bladder and urethra. A kidney infection is a type of upper UTI, which is more serious because the infection has ascended to one or both kidneys. While a UTI causes discomfort like frequent and painful urination, a kidney infection presents with more severe, systemic symptoms like high fever, chills, and flank pain, indicating the infection is affecting a major organ.
5. How are kidney infections typically diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis usually involves a doctor assessing symptoms and analysing a urine sample to detect bacteria, white blood cells, and blood. The primary treatment for a kidney infection is a course of antibiotics. For severe infections with high fever or vomiting, hospitalisation may be necessary to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids. Most people start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment, but it is crucial to complete the entire antibiotic course.
6. When do kidney infection symptoms become a medical emergency?
You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the hospital if you suspect a kidney infection and experience any of the following severe symptoms: a very high fever, uncontrollable shaking or chills, severe pain, persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids or medication down, or any signs of confusion. These could be signs of sepsis, a life-threatening complication where the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
7. What are the potential complications if a kidney infection is not treated promptly?
If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to serious and sometimes permanent health problems. Potential complications include permanent kidney scarring, which can lead to chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. In acute cases, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. A kidney abscess, which is a collection of pus within the kidney tissue, may also form, often requiring surgical drainage.
