Everything you need to know about kidney infection and its symptoms

The doctor will usually check the person’s medical history for health problems that are related to the kidney infection. Diagnostic procedures may include:

Physical examination: The doctor performs a physical examination and examines the general state of the person’s health, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, signs of dehydration, and respiratory rate. The doctor also evaluates the middle to lower back for pain and sensitivity to touch.

Anal examinationIf the patient is male, the doctor may use a digital rectal exam to check for an enlarged prostate that can block the bladder neck.

Pelvic examination: If the patient is a young woman, the doctor may perform a pelvic exam to check if the person has asymptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease. Women may also need to take a pregnancy test.

Urine sampling: A person may collect a mid-urine sample in a special container for laboratory analysis. If the urine sample contains bacteria and white blood cells, it can indicate an infection. Both symptoms and test results can help make a diagnosis.

Imaging: The doctor may request a CT scan, MRI scan or ultrasound of the kidney area.

If the patient does not go to the doctor immediately to treat the kidney infection, there is a risk of the following serious complications:

emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN): Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a very rare and potentially fatal complication. In this severe infection, necrotic bacteria destroy the kidney tissue. Symptoms of this condition include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and confusion. Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this condition. If a person suffers from emphysematous pyelonephritis, he may need surgery.

Renal abscesses: Pus can collect in abscesses in kidney tissue. Symptoms of kidney abscesses include blood in the urine, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Sometimes surgery is needed to drain the pus. Risk factors include kidney stones, pregnancy and diabetes.

Acute kidney failure: One or both kidneys may lose their function. A person may need dialysis until the drugs start working.

Renal vein thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot in one of the main veins of the kidney may lead to a decrease in blood supply to this organ. This condition can cause acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.

Blood poisoning or sepsisSepsis is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical diagnosis and treatment. This condition leads to a sharp drop in blood pressure and affects blood circulation. Blood can move so slowly that it clots in blood vessels. If the blood does not circulate well, kidney failure may occur. Symptoms of sepsis include:

• Swelling or swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• tiredness
• nausea
• confusion
• convulsions
• a coma

A person who suspects a kidney infection should see a doctor immediately. Kidney infections may cause complications, especially in people with the following conditions:

• Men
• Pregnant women who may have asymptomatic infections
• People with mesena obstruction
• Immunocompromised people
• Elderly people over 80 years old
• People with hydronephrosis or kidney swelling as a result of mesena obstruction or anatomical abnormality
• People with kidney stones
• People with a rare and abnormal connection between the bladder and the colon
• People with a history of using a urinary catheter
• People with chronic infections that have no effect on them

If a person with a kidney infection does not seek medical help, they may suffer serious complications. You should see a doctor if you have the following conditions:

• Constant pain in the middle and lower back and side
• Ague
• Nausea and general malaise

Most kidney infections are the result of urinary tract infections. The best way to help prevent kidney infections is to take steps to avoid urinary tract or bladder infections. Some recommendations regarding factors that can help prevent kidney infection include:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Urination: Whenever you need to urinate, urinate and don’t wait.
• Sex: urinate after sex. Also, wash your genitals before and after sex.
• Hygiene: wash your genitals every day and do not use deodorant spray in the genital area and also avoid vaginal douching. After defecating, clean the anus from front to back. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria to the genitals.
• Consumption of fiber: Eat a lot of fiber so that the stool is easily removed and does not cause irritation or skin lesions. Constipation increases the risk of kidney infection and lack of fiber is associated with kidney stones.