A kidney infection also called as pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection.  It is an unpleasant illness which is sometimes serious. It is a painful bacterial infection of one or both the kidneys. If it is treated early, there should be no serious harm. If left untreated, it can get worse and cause kidney damage. Most kidney infections are on -off and come quite quickly. This is called an acute kidney infection. Repeated episodes of acute kidney infection can lead to chronic kidney infection. Complications include kidney damage or spread of infection in body (sepsis).

CAUSES OF KIDNEY INFECTION

Most kidney infections develop from bladder infection (cystitis). Bacteria travel up the tube between the blader and kidney (ureter) to infect a kidney. These bacteria  are usually those living in the bowel like E.coli.

Some kidney infections develop without a bladder infection. This occurs due to a problem in kidney. People with kidney stones are more prone to  develop kidney infections. It is usually only one kidney develops an infection. A kidney infection can occur at any age. It is much more common in women. This is because women are at more risk of developing a bladder infection. In women the urethra is closer to the anus, which makes it easier for the bacteria to get from the bowel to urethra. The urethra is also shorter in women than men, so the bacteria can easily reach the bladder.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING KIDNEY INFECTIONS

• Females are more prone to develop kidney infections
• Have had a urinary tract infection during the past 12 months
• Pregnancy
• Reflux of urine from the bladder back toward the kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux) which is more common in children
• Weakened immune system
• Any spinal cord injury or a nerve affection that affects bladder, like multiple sclerosis
• Difficulty emptying bladder completely (urinary retention), due to prostate problem in males

KIDNEY INFECTION SYMPTOMS

Symptoms usually develop quickly over a few hours or so, that includes-

• Pain in a loin or flank. (this is the area at the side of your back where the kidney is located)
• High temperature which may cause fevers
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Blood in urine
• Pain on passing urine and increased frequency of urination

COMPLICATIONS OF KIDNEY INFECTIONS

Possible complications that could occur are-

• Sometimes bacteria from a kidney infection get into the blood stream. Particularly when the treatment is delayed. This may cause blood poisoning/ sepsis.
• In pregnant women who develop kidney infection , may result in baby born with low birth weight.
• A kidney abscess can rarely develop. Sometimes infection may cause permanent damage to kidney tissues.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

• Antibiotics- this will usually clear the infection. Commonly used antibiotics are cefalexin, co-amoxiclav or trimethoprim
• Painkillers such as paracetamol can ease pain and reduce fever. NSAID such as ibuprofen are usually not recommended.
• Plenty of fluids should be taken to prevent lack of fluid in body.

DIAGNOSIS

A simple test called dipstick urine test can be performed. This involves testing a sample of urine with a special testing strip to look for signs of infection. This test will show if a kidney infection is likely or not.

It is important to confirm the diagnosis and also find out the bacterium causing the infection. This will enable the correct prescription of antibiotics for which urine sample is tested.

Ultrasound scan may be advised in certain situations wherein kidney stones are suspected.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Seeking immediate medical care where one has symptoms of kidney infection along with blood in urine and nausea/vomiting. Dr. Pragnesh Bharpoda is one of the best kidney doctors in Vadodara.