Kidney Infection – SP Medifort Hospital

Kidney Infection Treatment

Kidney Infection Treatment In Trivandrum

A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection that starts in the lower urinary tract and spreads to one or both kidneys. It is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli, but other bacteria or, rarely, fungi and viruses can also be responsible.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of a kidney infection?

Symptoms of Keratitis include

Abdominal Pain.
Fever and chills.
Nausea and Vomiting.
Pain in the back, side, or groin.
Frequent Urination.
Belly Pain.
Painful or burning urination.
Cloudy, foul‑smelling, pus‑containing, or bloody urine.

What causes a kidney infection?

A kidney infection usually develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract and spread upward to the kidneys. Less commonly, infection may spread through the bloodstream.

Untreated Urinary Tract Infection: Most kidney infections begin as bladder or urethral infections that are not treated early, allowing bacteria to travel to the kidneys.
Bacterial Entry Through the Urinary Tract: Bacteria from the skin or rectal area can enter the urethra, multiply in the bladder, and ascend to the kidneys.
Urinary Tract Blockages: Conditions such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or structural abnormalities can block urine flow and promote bacterial growth.
Urinary Catheter Use: Long-term or improper use of urinary catheters increases the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract.
Weakened Immune System: Diseases like diabetes, cancer, or conditions requiring immunosuppressant medications make it harder for the body to fight infections.
Vesicoureteral Reflux: A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, increasing the chance of infection.
Spread From Bloodstream: In rare cases, bacteria from infections elsewhere in the body can spread to the kidneys through the blood.

Diagnosis of Kidney Infection

A kidney infection is diagnosed using a combination of symptom review, physical examination, and medical tests to confirm infection and assess kidney involvement.

Medical History and Symptom Assessment: The doctor reviews symptoms such as fever, back or side pain, urinary problems, and past urinary tract infections.
Physical Examination: Tenderness in the back or side near the kidneys is checked, along with signs of fever or general illness.
Urine Tests: Urinalysis and urine culture are used to detect bacteria, white blood cells, and blood and to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
Blood Tests: Blood tests help detect infection, assess kidney function, and check for bacteria that may have entered the bloodstream.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or a CT scan may be used to look for kidney swelling, abscesses, or blockages such as kidney stones.
Special Tests for Recurrent: If infections are frequent, further tests may be done to identify structural problems or urine flow abnormalities.

What are the Kidney infection risk factors?

Factors that increase the risk of a kidney infection include:

Being female: Females have a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to enter the urinary tract more easily and reach the kidneys.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can slow urine flow, making infections more likely.

Urinary tract blockage: Conditions such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or a narrowed urethra can prevent normal urine flow, allowing bacteria to grow and spread to the kidneys.

Weakened immune system: Diseases like diabetes or HIV, and some medications, reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, increasing the risk.

Nerve damage affecting the bladder: Damage to nerves (for example, from spinal cord injury) can prevent a person from feeling bladder infections early, allowing them to spread to the kidneys.

Use of a urinary catheter: Catheters provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, increasing infection risk.

Vesicoureteral reflux: This condition causes urine to flow backward from the bladder toward the kidneys, carrying bacteria with it.

What treatment options are available for kidney infection?

Treatment of kidney infection focuses on eliminating the infection, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications through timely medical care.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the main treatment. The type and duration depend on the severity of the infection and the patient’s condition. Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but the full course must be completed.

Hospital treatment (for severe cases): For severe kidney infections, or when the patient has high fever, vomiting, or complications, hospital treatment is required. This usually includes intravenous (IV) antibiotics to control the infection quickly and IV fluids to maintain hydration and support recovery.

Treatment of underlying causes: To prevent repeated kidney infections, it is essential to identify and treat conditions that obstruct urine flow, such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or urinary tract abnormalities, so that urine can drain normally and bacteria do not accumulate.