Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys become infected. They can be infected by bacteria or a virus. It can cause people to feel very sick and it requires treatment. This article will tell you more about kidney infection and what to do about it. Show See More See Less Normal ConditionsThe urinary tract is the body’s drainage system. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Healthy kidneys work day and night to clean our blood. These 2 bean-shaped organs are found near the middle of the back, just below the ribs. One kidney sits on each side of the spine. Our kidneys are our body’s main filter. They clean about 150 quarts of blood daily. Every day, they form about 1-2 quarts of urine by pulling water and waste from the blood. Urine normally travels from the kidneys down to the bladder and out through the urethra. As a filter, the kidney controls many things to keep us healthy:
When the kidneys are damaged, they may not function well. In most cases, some damage won’t cause too many problems. But, major damage may require more treatment, like dialysis. Symptoms or signs may include: Very young children (younger than 2 years old) may only have a high fever. They may not feel pain or have problems urinating. Older people, also, may not show typical signs. Instead, they may show signs of confusion, muddled speech, or visions. This infection can be life threatening. It is important to seek medical care quickly if you think you have a
kidney infection. Although the urinary system is designed to keep bacteria out, problems can occur. Escherichia coli (E. coli) or other bacteria found in the intestines can enter the urinary tract through the urethra. These bacteria can travel up into the bladder. When this happens it can cause cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). It can also cause a
urinary tract infection (UTI). Cystitis occurs in 1-3% of adult women per year. If the infection continues up to the kidneys, it can cause kidney infection. This problem is rare but it can be severe. About 1 in every 30 cases of UTI leads to a kidney infection. You are more likely to get a kidney infection if you have frequent bladder infections or have a structural problem in the
urinary tract. Urine normally flows only in one direction—from the kidneys to the bladder. If the flow of urine is blocked or flows in the wrong direction, infections can happen. Urine flow can be blocked by many things, including: People with diabetes or a weak immune
system are at high risk for infections. Pregnant women with UTIs should be seen by their health care provider and treated as soon as possible. A kidney infection in a pregnant woman can be very serious. Many problems in the pelvis and abdomen can cause symptoms that look like kidney infection. Your doctor will want to diagnose your problem correctly to learn what’s happening and find the best treatment. To diagnose the problem, your health
care provider may use the following tests: Your doctor will also look for problems that can cause kidney infection, such as kidney stones or birth defects. These things can be treated to prevent future infections. Your treatment will be based on a clear diagnosis of the problem. Kidney infections are treated with
antibiotics. This medicine is offered as a pill to be taken at home. If the infection is very bad, or if the patient is vomiting, then you may need to go to a hospital to get antibiotics in your vein (IV). To heal the infection and stop it from returning, it is common to get two or more weeks of antibiotics. After treatment, urine cultures are used to make sure the infection doesn’t return. If it does, two more weeks of medicine is offered. If it happens again, up to 6 weeks of medicine
may be used. Surgery may be needed if a block in the urinary tract or a birth defect is found. If surgery is not needed, the patient will feel much better within a few days of medicine. Even though the symptoms are gone, it is important to finish the entire course of medicine so it doesn’t return. If the kidney infection returns more than once, a small dose of antibiotic may be used every day use to keep the kidneys healthy. Untreated infection can damage the kidneys and lead to long term problems. In rare cases, kidney infections can lead to kidney disease, high blood pressure, or kidney failure. If kidney infection spreads to the bloodstream it can cause a serious problem called sepsis. Yes, the bacteria can be resistant to some, but it not
all antibiotics. Both urine and blood cultures are taken before starting medicine. These tests help the health care provider know which medicine would work best for your case. Women should wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement. This cleaning will help move bacteria away from the urethra opening. Urinating after sex may help to flush out bacteria in the urethra. Some forms of contraception may help (not including
diaphragms or spermicidal foam). What if I am pregnant?Urinary tract infections (UTI) during pregnancy are dangerous for both mother and baby. These infections should be treated quickly. There are safe medicines to use during pregnancy to cure the infection. Explore Further
Can you have a kidney infection for a long time?A kidney infection can sometimes lead to a dangerous condition called sepsis link, which can be life threatening. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, rash, and confusion. A kidney infection that becomes chronic, or long lasting, can cause permanent damage to your kidneys.
How long can kidney infections last untreated?How Long Do Kidney Infections Last? If the bacteria from a bladder infection make their way up to your kidneys, you've got a more serious situation. A kidney infection (or pyelonephritis) can take up to 14 days to resolve with treatment, according to the AUA.
Can a kidney infection go away by itself?Kidney infections can lead to serious complications if untreated so it is important to see a doctor and not wait to see if the infection goes away on its own. Treatment for kidney infections depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.
How long does it take to recover from a kidney infection?After taking antibiotics, you should feel completely better after about two weeks. In rare cases, a kidney infection can cause further problems. These include blood poisoning (sepsis) and a build-up of pus in the kidney called an abscess.
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