Health of Urinary Tract: Exploring Bladder and Kidney Infections
Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are a serious health concern that requires prompt attention. Unlike urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are less severe, kidney infections can have more severe symptoms and complications.
The kidneys, part of the urinary tract that also includes the bladder, urethra, and ureter, play a crucial role in cleaning waste from the blood. When bacteria, normally flushed out by urine, flow back into the kidneys due to structural abnormalities or compressed tubes, a kidney infection can occur.
Symptoms of a kidney infection are often more pronounced than those of a UTI. Fever, flu-like symptoms, lower back or side pain, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or blood-tinged urine with a foul smell, and a general sense of malaise are common signs. A typical symptom of a kidney infection is an elevated white blood cell count and an ongoing fever.
Women are more likely to have a UTI that can potentially lead to a kidney infection, but bladder infections rarely progress to kidney infections. However, young women aged 15–29, due to anatomical and behavioral factors such as frequent sexual intercourse and use of spermicidal contraceptives, are at a higher risk of developing a kidney infection. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract, urinary catheterization, pregnancy, immunocompromised states, and prior UTIs.
Prevention is key in managing kidney infections. Good urinary tract health practices include wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, drinking plenty of water, monitoring for developing infections following sexual relations, and practicing good hygiene. Cranberry pills or cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, although research is not conclusive on this. For post-menopausal women, vaginal estrogen may lower susceptibility to UTIs by changing the vaginal acidity.
If you suspect a kidney infection, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This could mean going to urgent care, making an appointment with your general doctor as soon as you can, or going to the emergency department. Tests for a kidney infection include urine tests, which often include testing for nitrites, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, or computed tomography scan (CT) scan.
It's essential to take any prescribed antibiotics for a kidney infection to ensure all bacteria are killed. Failure to do so could lead to a recurrence of the infection or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In conclusion, kidney infections are a serious health concern that can be prevented with good urinary tract health practices. If you suspect a kidney infection, seek medical attention promptly to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Acute kidney infection (pyelonephritis). [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20368244
[2] NHS. (2021). Kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis). [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-infection/
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Acute pyelonephritis. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17058-acute-pyelonephritis
- The medical-condition, kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are a significant concern in health-and-wellness, requiring immediate attention for proper treatment.
- Kidney infections, being part of the urinary tract, can have more severe symptoms and complications compared to urinary tract infections (UTIs), as they play a crucial role in cleaning waste from the blood.
- Fitness-and-exercise and good nutrition are important strategies to maintain urinary tract health and lower the risk of developing chronic-diseases like kidney infections, along with good hygiene and other preventive measures.
- For managing and treating kidney infections, it's essential to follow any prescribed supplements, such as cranberry pills or vaginal estrogen, along with antibiotics to eliminate all bacteria and prevent recurrences or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
