Urology & Kidney Transplant

One of the most uncomfortable feelings you might have experienced is if you have a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). At times, some minor UTIs may heal by themselves by drinking ample water, but it doesn't. If UTI is left untreated, it can lead to a severe kidney infection in such a case. What Is Kidney Infection? Medically kidney infection is known as pyelonephritis, and it can be excruciating. If not treated in time and without proper medication and care, it can lead to death. Often the cause of kidney infection is the bacteria and viruses that are supposed to be flushed out of during urination can enter the urinary tract. When the UTI spreads to the upper urinary tract and then to the kidneys, it is a kidney infection. It is possible that kidney infection can lead to bacteria getting into the blood, causing bacteremia despite the condition starting at the bladder. Also, Read - How Long Can You Have A Kidney Infection Without Knowing?What Can Cause Kidney Infection? When the germs enter the body through the genital area to the ureters and then into the kidney, kidney infection is caused. Several factors can cause a kidney infection. Some of them are: Diabetes Relapse of bladder or kidney infection caused 12 or fewer months earlier Frequent sex or changing sex partner Use of birth control or prevention of infection Having a genetic history of UTIs Pregnancy Urinary retention Never damage around the bladder A condition that blocks the urine flow in the kidney Spinal cord injury Also, Read - Suffering UTI or Kidney Infection?- Here Is What You Need To KnowHow Can You Diagnose It? Kidney infections are often diagnosed based on the symptoms like: Fever Nausea Pain in the flank Vomiting Groin pain Cloudy or bloody urine Foul-smelling urine Burning and pain during urination Pain around or above the pubic bone Also, Read - 7 Best Kidney Transplant Hospitals in IndiaBased on these symptoms, doctors prescribe urine testing to see for kidney infection. The testing can include: Urinalysis Urine culture In case of kidney infection is a recurring condition. Additional tests are done to check if there are any abnormalities in the kidney, bladder, ureter, urethra, or presence of kidney stones. Tests for these can include Ultrasound Cystoscopy CT scan MRI Also, Read - Kidney Transplant Success Rate by AgeWhat Is The Treatment For Kidney Infection? We started the article with the question, can a kidney infection go away on its own and the answer to it is NO. You would need medication to treat the kidney infection. The medical treatment is determined by the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Typically, the treatment will include: Antibiotics Over-the-counter medication Hospital treatment Can Kidney Infection Be Prevented? If the kidney infection is genetic or due to UTI at times, it can be prevented with the following steps: Increase water intake Urinating after intercourse as will flush the bacteria out before it can enter the bladder and cause an infection Change the birth control method by avoiding using diaphragms and spermicide Vaginal estrogen for women through menopause Don't wait long for using the bathroom. Relieve yourself when you need to Wipe from front to back and not another way round Also, Read - Kidney Transplant Benefits and DisadvantagesWhen Should You See A Doctor? Any of the above symptoms should trigger a visit to the doctor and get yourself checked for kidney infection. If you have a fever of 101 degrees F and other symptoms from the list, visit the ER. You might need immediate medical attention. Also, if you think you are having a kidney infection or UTI, schedule an appointment with the doctor of XXX and get yourself checked by a specialist. It's always better to be safe than sorry!