Symptoms of Kidney Infection

Symptoms of Kidney Infection – A kidney infection is also known as a renal infection. It is a type of urinary tract infection caused by the E. coli bacteria.

Based on information from the National Health Service in the UK, 28 to 25 people out of every 100,000 will have a kidney infection annually.

The E. coli bacteria travels from the bladder or the urethra and infects the kidneys.

What is a kidney infection?

Women, children, and the elderly have the great risk for developing this infection. Those at the great risk are pregnant women, children under 2 years old, and people over the age of 60.

There are two main types of kidney infections:

• Uncomplicated kidney infection- complications are not likely to happen
• Complicated kidney infection- people are more likely to suffer complications based on pre existing health conditions.

If left untreated a person can develop kidney damaged as well as sepsis or blood poisoning. In some cases a person may need to be admitted to the hospital.

Cause of Kidney Infections

• Compromised Immune System- if a person has a fungal or bacterial infection on the skin it may get into the bloodstream and reach the kidneys
• Urethra- bacteria may get from the urethra to the bladder and spread to the kidneys.
• Personal Hygiene- if a person is wiping their anus and they come in contact with the genitals the bacteria can get into the kidneys. Bacteria such as E. coli can enter the body through the anus and make its way to the kidneys.
• Female Body- woman are more likely to have bladder infections due to their short urethra.
• Catheter- people that use a catheter to drain their urine are at an increased risk for developing kidney infections.
• Kidney Stones- people with kidney stones have a great chance of getting infections.
• Enlarged Prostate- men with a enlarged prostate may get this infection
• Sexually activity- females that are sexually active are at a higher risk for a urinary tract infection that can lead to the kidneys.

Symptoms of a kidney infection can show up in as little as a few hours .

Common kidney infection symptoms include:

• Persistent diarrhea
• A fever above 100.4 degrees F
• A feeling of nausea
• Shivering
• Vomiting
• Pain in the back
• Pain in the groin area
• Pain on the sides of the body
• Painful urination

There are some signs that may show that a person has a bladder infection as well:

• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Pain or trouble when urinated that occur with a burning feeling
• Urine that smells foul
• Urinating frequently
• Poor urine stream
• Abdominal pain

Preventing a kidney infection

• Often a kidney infection will be the result of a urinary tract conditions. To prevent this infection the bladder has to be kept free of bacteria.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids especially water.
• Urinate after having sexual intercourse and wash the genital area.
• Do not wait to urine when the urge hits you.
• After passing stool wipe from back to front to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Eat plenty of fiber. Constipation is a risk for a kidney infection.
• Cranberries- eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice has been shown to help prevent a urinary tract infection. People that use warfarin should avoid cranberries.