Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria infect the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

What is Pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney, typically caused by a bacterial infection. It can be acute or chronic. Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden and severe infection, while chronic pyelonephritis is a long-term infection that can cause permanent damage to the kidneys.

Symptoms of Kidney Infection

The symptoms of kidney infection may include:

• Pain in the side or back, below the ribs
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent and painful urination
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Flank pain, which is pain that occurs on one side of the body between the ribs and the hip

Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney infections are typically caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the kidneys. The most common bacteria that cause kidney infections are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Enterococcus.

Risk factors for developing a kidney infection include:

• Female sex
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Urinary tract abnormalities, such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
• Neurogenic bladder, which is a condition that affects the nerves that control the bladder
• Catheter use
• History of urinary tract infections

Treatments for Kidney Infection

Treatment for kidney infection typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The type and duration of antibiotic treatment depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.

• Outpatient treatment: Mild cases of kidney infection can be treated with oral antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro), for 7-14 days.
• Inpatient treatment: More severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics, such as gentamicin or tobramycin, for several days.
• Pain management: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can help manage pain and discomfort.
• Fluid intake: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or clear broths, can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Complications of Untreated Kidney Infection

If left untreated, kidney infection can lead to serious complications, including:

• Sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream
• Kidney damage or scarring
• Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure
• Pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor or low birth weight

Prevention of Kidney Infection

To reduce the risk of developing a kidney infection:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Urinate when needed, rather than holding it in
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra
• Avoid using scented soaps or bubble baths, which can irritate the urinary tract
• Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out bacteria
• Get tested for UTIs if symptoms occur