A kidney infection is medically defined as Pyelonephritis; this denotes a specific form of infection of the urinary tract (UTI) that typically originated in the bladder or urethra and due to lack of treatment or complications has traveled to the kidneys. A kidney infection is a serious illness but almost always treatable with antibiotics, however if left untreated can lead to very grave illness and in rare instances, without treatment, even death.
What is the Function of the Kidneys?
Your kidneys have a vital role in keeping your body healthy and functioning, but the important functions of the kidneys can become compromised due to something as common as a urinary tract infection when left untreated. When a person with a urinary tract infection of the bladder does not get proper treatment the bacteria causing the infection will multiply and grow and as it does it may travel up the ureters into one or both kidneys, this can produce devastating results on your health. One of the main functions of the kidneys is to filter the waste products from the body, an important part of the production of blood cells. The kidneys also help to maintain the balance of the electrolytes in the body and regulate blood pressure, all very vital functions we cannot live without. Once the bacteria from the urinary tract infection (UTI) have reached the kidneys it can enter the blood (bloodstream) causing a life-threatening infection, that is why prompt medical attention and treatment is so crucial when you have an infection of the bladder or kidneys.
What are the Signs of a Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in urine
- Foul smelling urine
- Frequent urgent need to urinate
- Decreased urine output
- Feeling of fatigue and weakness
- Dull pain just below ribs, lower back, groin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dehydration
- Confusion (particularly in the elderly)
When to Seek Medical Attention
Because of the vital life sustaining functions the kidneys perform in the body it is essential that they are functioning properly. If you are experiencing a frequent urgency to urinate with burning or pain, chances are you likely have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and should seek immediate medical attention. Depending on how severe your symptoms are will dictate which type of medical attention you seek. If you can get in to see your doctor right away that would be your first step to treatment. If you are unable to see your doctor immediately then a quick trip to your local urgent care center is your best option for prompt diagnosis and a treatment plan.
How is Pyelonephritis Diagnosed?
Whether it’s your primary care physician or another healthcare provider there are several tools that will be utilized to make a diagnosis of Pyelonephritis or Kidney Infection which may include some or all of the following:
- Illness History: The healthcare provider will take note of the history of your illness’s progression and the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Examine the Patient: The health care provider will take note of: appearance in general, pallor (color) and demeanor in general, taking of vitals such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate, conduct a physical exam pressing lightly over the kidney region and lower abdomen to detect tenderness or pain.
- Perform Urinalysis: Request a urine specimen for microscopic and laboratory testing. Microscopic examination can be completed within minutes and will reveal whether there is bacteria present in the urine to confirm a diagnosis of a urinary tact infection of the bladder or kidney. Urine cultures take about 48 hours to grow and are used to determine the exact type of bacterium present, allowing for the determination of the most effective antibiotic treatment for that particular bacterium.
- Take Blood Samples: If Pyelonephritis has been diagnosed and has traveled into the bloodstream, blood cultures will detect this and dictate the treatment plan.
If the patient has a history of recurring bladder and/or kidney infections, or to rule out a genetic cause the health care provider may request a CT scan or kidney Ultrasound, though they are not necessary to diagnosis Pyelonephritis they are useful in determining the causation of the chronic urinary tract infections and to rule out diseases of a more serious nature such as cancers and other nephritic diseases.
What is the Treatment for Pyelonephritis?
A kidney infection (Pyelonephritis) is a very serious illness that always requires treatment from a qualified medical professional. In most cases, after you have been properly tested and diagnosis made by a health care provider, a treatment plan can be made for home care that will include a regimen of antibiotics; that is of course only if your present condition is such that you are able to care for yourself and hold down food and liquids.
If your present condition has deteriorated to such a point that you are immobile and have frequent vomiting than your treatment plan will include hospitalization including intravenous antibiotics until such time as you are well enough to go home and continue treatment as home care. Home care would likely include continuing oral antibiotics (pills) until such time as the bacterium is eradicated.
Naturally always follow your healthcare provider’s orders to the letter, especially where antibiotics are concerned; make sure you finish the prescribed dose and duration of treatment even if you are feeling better and symptoms have subsided. If you are not continuing to progress to improved health contact your doctor immediately.
