Kidney Infection Risk Factors

Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection or UTI.  It results when urinary tract infection spreads one or both of your kidneys. The infection primarily starts in the bladder and moves up to your kidneys. This is a serious condition and may be life-threatening and should be treated as soon as you notice any of its symptoms.

Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, groin pain, back pain, abdominal pain, frequent urination, burning sensation or pain when urinating, nausea, vomiting, bad smelling or cloudy urine, bloody urine or urine with pus, persistent and strong urge to urinate.

Risk factors

-Being a female. Urethra in females are shorter and is easier for bacteria to infect the bladder.

-Pregnant women are at higher risk of being infected because of the pressure on the ureter caused by the baby and slow urine flow.

-Urinary tract blockage like kidney stone, abnormal structure in the urinary tract and enlarged prostate for men slows urine flow and keeps the bladder from emptying completely  urine.

-Weakened immune system. Diabetes and other medical conditions that impair the immune system make you at risk for kidney infection.

-Nerve and spinal cord damage. Damage to the nerves around the bladder blocks your sensations and prevents you from knowing that you are infected.

-Catheter. Using a catheter to drain urine from the bladder.

-Vesicoureteral reflux. You are at risk if your pee flows backward towards your kidneys from the bladder.

To help keep your kidneys away from infection involves antibiotics and hospitalization when it is severe. Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the bacteria and get extra rest to feel a little better.  Pain reliever and heating pads may also be helpful. Preventing infection would reduce the risk of urinary tract infection.

-Drink lots of water.  It helps flush out bacteria when urinating.

-Empty bladder after intercourse. Urinating after intercourse aids in clearing bacteria from the urethra.

-Urinate often. Urinate as soon you feel the urge.

-Wipe from front to the back after urination and bowel movement to prevent spread of bacteria

-Feminine products like deodorant sprays or douches should be avoided.

-Condoms or diaphragms with spermicide should not be used to prevent growth of bacteria.

Kidney infections should not be taken lightly. Maintain your kidney health to prevent life threatening conditions. Seek appointment with your doctor once you have kidney infection symptoms. Natural Kidney Support Supplements can help support your kidney health and help with reducing risk of kidney infections.