Symptoms of Kidney Infections: Don’t Let the Pain Ruin Daily life

Imagine waking up with lower back pain at the start of your day. You try to ignore it, but in the afternoon, the pain increases. You start to feel a weird pressure inside your bladder. Restroom visits are now more frequent, but you never feel like it’s empty. As the sun sets, a low-grade fever sets in. You feel nauseous and weak, and your back pain starts. This can be a day’s journey for someone dealing with kidney infections. Well, nobody wants to be in such a situation. Hence, proper knowledge is crucial to win a battle against kidney infections. Stay tuned and learn in detail about the causes, prevention tips, symptoms of kidney infections, and much more.

What is a Kidney Infection?

It is a painful illness. It can often start with a bladder infection. In such a situation, the kidney infection occurs when the bacteria travel from your bladder to your kidneys. This bacterial infection of the kidney causes discomfort and pain. If these infections are dealt with antibiotics straight away, it usually won’t lead to any severe damage to your kidneys. However, the problems start getting worse when the symptoms of kidney infections are left ignored, and it may lead to permanent kidney damage. 

Note: Cystitis is a common bladder infection. 

What is the Difference Between Kidney Infections and common Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? 

UTIs are a general problem but have different types. A kidney infection is a particular type of UTI. While both infections are in your urinary system, there are differences in severity, locations, and symptoms of kidney infections and common UTIs. The UCF (Urology Care Foundation) stated that around 1 in 30 UTIs gradually become kidney infections. Below is a table to help you better understand the difference between a Kidney infection and the more common Bladder infection: 

Features	Kidney Infection	Common UTIs (Urethral/Bladder Infections)	Kidney Stones
Location of infection	Kidneys (upper urinary tract)	Bladder (lower urinary tract) and/or can involve the urethra	Kidney or Ureters
Severity	Can be a bit more severe than a common UTI and can cause complications	Usually less severe but can be comfortable	Can cause severe pain
Cause	Often caused by a bacteria travelling from your lower UTI	Can be caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract via the urethra.	Formed by the minerals and salts crystallizing in the urine
Symptoms	Includes fever, nausea, flank pain, and chills	Might include frequent urination, burning urination and urgency.	Pain in the flank or lower abdomen, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting

How Do You Get a Kidney Infection?

Kidney Infections can be uncomfortable and painful. However, learning how you can get one can help prevent them. Let us break down the basics in a simple way. 

One of the most common causes of kidney infections is bacteria. The Bacteria involved are usually from our intestines (especially a type called E. coli). They travel up from your urethra towards the bladder, causing a bladder infection first. If these bacteria aren’t stopped, they can climb further up to the kidneys and cause a full-blown kidney infection.

Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of kidney infections and seek proper help. 

Symptoms of Kidney Infections 

There are various symptoms of kidney infections. The symptoms might differ based on your age. Listed below are a few of the common symptoms of kidney infections: 

Fever – A consistent high body temperature
Chills – Shivering and feeling cold
Pain and discomfort while urinating
Lasting and strong urge to urinate
Discomfort and pain in your groin, side, and back
Vomiting and nausea

How to Prevent a Kidney Infection? 

You can lower the risk of kidney infection by following a few preventive measures:

Drink more fluids, mainly water

This can help in removing the bacteria from your body while urinating.

Don’t hold the urination

Try to urinate as soon as you feel the urge

Empty your bladder after sexual intercourse.

Urinating straight away after you have sex can clear bacteria from your urethra. This can reduce the risk of kidney infections. 

Wipe carefully

Wipe from front to back after a bowel moment or urinating. This can restrict bacteria from spreading in the urethra. 

Try to avoid using products in your genital area

Douches and deodorant sprays in your genital area can cause irritation. This irritation can interfere with your body’s local defenses and make it easier for bacteria to enter. 

How Long Does Kidney Infection Last?

Kidney infections require the supervision of a healthcare professional who can initiate appropriate treatment.

Generally, you will feel better quite quickly after your treatment begins. Most patients who are diagnosed and treated properly with antibiotics can be better after 2 weeks. 

Older people or people with underlying conditions might need more time to recover. 

Can Symptoms of Kidney Infections Go Away on Their Own? 

For a few patients, lower UTIs might move away on their own. Although symptoms of kidney infections can cause serious issues if ignored. 

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney infections is vital for your health! If you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier, please contact a healthcare professional. 

Want to make things even easier? Cellmaflex allows you to book an appointment with a healthcare professional online, all from the comfort of your own home! So why wait? Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards feeling better!       

Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.

Symptoms of Kidney Infections: Don’t Let the Pain Ruin your Daily life

What is a Kidney Infection?