Kidney infection is the urinary tract infection which starts in the urethra or the urinary bladder and travels up to the kidneys. If the kidney infection is severe then it is called as “urosepsis”.
Kidney infection may be caused due to entry and growth of bacteria into
urinary tract through urethra or from an infection elsewhere in the
body through blood stream.
The community acquired kidney infections are caused by the fecal flora
mainly E coli. Hospital acquired infections are due to Coliforms,
Enterococci, Klebsiells species and Pseudomonas aeroginosa.
Weakened immunity, catheterization for prolonged time, obstruction to
the flow of urine, sensory impairment (damage to nerve or spinal cord
may cause blockage of sensations of bladder infection), female anatomy
(shorter urethra), diabetes, change of sexual partner in last one year,
use of spermicide, vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of small amount of
urine into ureters and kidney) and family history of kidney infections
are the risk factors for kidney infections.
The symptoms of kidney infection may be one or more of the described here. They are: frequent urination; strong, persistent urge for urination; pain or burning sensation at the time of urination; cloudy urine; urine having strong odor; pressure or pain in abdomen; inability to urinate; need of urination at night (nocturia); pain in the back, side or groin area; urine containing pus or blood and fever.
Symptoms of severe kidney infection are: nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, extreme fatigue, night sweats, shaking chills and high grade fever.
Symptoms in children are: loss of appetite, irritability, fresh incidents of bed wetting and loose bowel movements.
Kidney infection is diagnosed on the basis of medical history, physical examination and urine tests (urine culture-detection and identification of bacteria in urine). If the kidney infection is the chronic or recurrent problem then X-rays may be done to check for any abnormalities in urinary system.
Antibiotics are given as treatment for kidney infections. The type of antibiotic depends on the health condition of the patient and the type of bacteria causing the infection. Some antibiotics given for kidney infections are: beta-lactum antibiotics (amoxicillin), quinolones (ciprofloxacin) and combination of antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Antibiotics of aminoglycoside class are also given but for short duration due to their toxic effect.
In pregnant patients combination of ampicilin and gentamicin is supposed to be effective. It is very important to take the complete prescribed course of the antibiotic though the symptoms relieve. If the infection is severe then antibiotics are administered intravenously on hospitalization.
If kidney infection is not treated then the bacteria can enter the blood stream causing septicemia and there may be permanent kidney damage which can be life threatening. Immuno-compromised people, older adults and young children are at greater risk of developing complications of kidney infections. Kidney infection in pregnant women can cause premature delivery and the child with low birth weight.
There are certain precautions which can prevent kidney infections. They are: drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water; more intake of cranberry, blueberry juice and fermented milk products (containing probiotic bacteria); frequent urination, gentle wiping after urination, washing the urethra with plain water, emptying the bladder after the intercourse, taking shower than tub bath and avoiding the use of feminine products around the genital area.
