Urinary Tract and Kidney Infection

If you have ever been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, you know just how painful it can be. Sometimes this infection can be in the kidneys, which can lead to serious complications. If you think that you might have a urinary tract infection, seek medical attention immediately. Usually, with the right treatment, a UTI can be treated before it spreads and causes further damage.

Causes

• A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria that enters the urethra. The infection can progress up into the bladder and then even further into the kidneys. Once the bacteria are in the kidneys and reproduce, this is a kidney infection. Bacteria can enter body during intercourse or from bowel movements. Holding in urine for long periods of time can also allow bacteria to build up in the warm moist environment.

Risk Factors

• Urinary tract infections and kidney infections may also be caused by medical procedures like the insertion of catheters and surgery. Women are more at risk for UTI's because bacteria from the bowels can more easily enter the urethra. Sexual intercourse may also help push foreign bacteria into the body. Certain birth control methods may also contribute to infections. These generally include foreign objects that are inserted in the body, like diaphragms.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be very painful. If recognized early, you could prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys. The first symptoms are having a frequent urge to urinate. When you do go, you may notice a burning sensation. The urine may also look different, either cloudy or dark because of blood. There are specific symptoms that may alert you that the infection has spread to the kidneys. These include fever, back pain, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis

• A urinary tract infection is diagnosed by testing a urine sample for bacteria. The kidneys may form white blood cells that are shaped like tubes. If these are present, the infection has likely spread to the kidneys. They can grow the bacteria in a culture and then test different antibiotics to see which one would be the most effective at treating the infection.

Treatments

• Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics that will kill the bacteria causing the infection. If the infection is slow to respond to the antibiotics, your doctor may order x-rays and other tests to look for abnormalities in the urinary tract that may be corrected with surgery. If a kidney infection is severe enough, the patient may be hospitalized and given fluids until stable. Pain medication and heating pads can be used to help ease the pain.

Prevention

• There are several ways to help prevent urinary tract infections. Women, who are more likely to get UTI's, are encouraged to drink lots of water every day, to help flush out the urinary tract. You should also urinate whenever you feel the urge and never hold it in for long periods. Keep bacteria at bay wiping from front to back, taking showers instead of baths and cleaning before sex. Urinating directly after sex may also help flush out bacteria.