Complications From A Kidney Infection
Full recovery is expected after a treating a kidney infection with antibiotics, However, in rare cases complications can occur including:
- bacteria from a kidney infection getting into the bloodstream, particularly if treatment is delayed. This can cause blood poisoning and can be potentially life-threatening
- the development of a kidney abscess a collection of pus that forms within the kidney
- permanent damage to kidney tissues
The above complications are rare but may become more likely if:
- you become severely ill with the kidney infection
- you already have other problems with your kidneys, like polycystic kidney disease, reflux or kidney failure
- you have kidney stones
- your immune system is suppressed for example, if you have cancer, if youre taking medication such as steroids or chemotherapy, or if you have AIDS
- you have poorly controlled diabetes
- you are an older person
Another rare complication is emphysematous pyelonephritis where kidney tissues are rapidly destroyed by the infection and the bacteria releases toxic gases that build up inside the kidneys. It tends to affect people who have poorly controlled diabetes and is a very serious illness.
When To See A Doctor
If you have signs of a kidney infection, you should see a doctor right away. Again, a kidney infection is seriousit can sometimes lead to a dangerous, life-threatening health condition called , the NIDDK says. Even if your infection doesnt progress to that, a kidney infection can become chronic, i.e., long-lasting, and can cause permanent damage to your kidneys, the NIDDK says. Kaufman recommends heading to your local urgent care facility or emergency room if you have signs of a kidney infection.
Why Is It Difficult To Diagnose Appendicitis
It can be difficult to diagnose appendicitis. The position of the appendix in the abdomen may vary. Most of the time the appendix is in the right lower abdomen, but the appendix, like other parts of the intestine, has a mesentery. This mesentery is a sheet-like membrane that attaches the appendix to other structures within the abdomen. If the mesentery is large, the appendix to move around. In addition, the appendix may be longer than normal. The combination of a large mesentery and a long appendix allows the appendix to dip down into the pelvis . It also may allow the appendix to move behind the colon . In either case, inflammation of the appendix may appear to be more like the inflammation of other organs, for example, of a woman’s pelvic organs.
The diagnosis of appendicitis also can be difficult because other inflammatory problems may mimic appendicitis, for example, right side diverticulitis. Therefore, it is common to observe patients with suspected appendicitis for a period to see if the problem will resolve on its own or develop characteristics that more strongly suggest appendicitis or, perhaps, another condition.
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Know The Signs Of Appendicitis
There are many reasons why you could have abdominal pain, including constipation, food poisoning, urinary tract infection, stomach flu or appendicitis. The signs of appendicitis may be confused with other causes of stomach-area pain, yet the consequences may be life-threatening. So how do you know the difference, and why is it important to understand the warning signs of appendicitis?
Appendicitis is caused by an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is:
- A small, tube-like organ
- Attached to the first part of the large intestine, or colon
- Located on the lower right side of the abdomen
The appendix has no known function but problems can arise if it becomes blocked by fecal matter or some other cause resulting in inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can burst and spread infection into the body.
Top Tips To Prevent Further Kidney Infections
Some of the things that may help include the following:
- dont hold on to urine, go to the toilet promptly
- stay well hydrated and make sure you drink plenty of fluids every day
- constipation can increase your chances of a bladder or kidney infection, so treat constipation promptly
- empty your bladder after having sex
- always make sure that you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet
- avoid using feminine products such as deodorant sprays or douches in your genital area
Kimberly-Clark makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.
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Complications Of Kidney Infections
Most kidney infections are treated successfully without complications, although some people may develop further problems.
Complications of a kidney infection are rare, but youre more likely to develop them if you:
- are a child
- rapid heartbeat
- breathlessness
Blood poisoning is a medical emergency that usually requires admission to a hospital intensive care unit while antibiotics are used to fight the infection.
If youre taking certain medications for diabetes, such as metformin or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they may be temporarily withdrawn until you recover. This is because they can cause kidney damage during an episode of blood poisoning.
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Appendicitis Symptoms And Pain
The main symptom of appendicitis is pain. Most people say the initial pain of appendicitis occurs around the middle portion of the abdomen.
Another frequent symptom of appendicitis is loss of appetite that may worsen over time and can result in nausea and vomiting.
Other symptoms that can occur are:
- swelling of the abdomen,
- the inability to pass gas,
- constipation or diarrhea with gas, and
- a mild to moderate fever.
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Other Home Remedies For Kidney Infections
To alleviate kidney infection pain in the lower back and abdomen areas, you can use hot compresses. Kidney infections can cause the surrounding muscles to spasm and become painful. You can also use heating pads to increase blood flow to speed up healing with increased oxygen levels to the area from the blood cells.
Heat therapy also makes it easier to stretch the soft tissues and decreases stiffness to allow the muscles in the area to relax. Feelings of pain and soreness will also be reduced, even if temporarily.
Bubble baths are not recommended for those with a kidney infection. Frequent baths can remove the protective mucus covering the urethra, and some chemicals present in soaps can cause irritation, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system. .
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Pain That Comes And Goes In Waves And Changes In Intensity
As the kidney stone moves through your urinary tract, youll feel pain differently. With a backache, the pain is usually constant.
Kidney stone pain typically starts high up, near the kidney, migrates toward the abdomen and then eventually moves down toward the groin as the stone moves further down the ureter, says Mike Nguyen, MD, a urologist at Keck Medicine of USC and associate professor of clinical urology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Kidney stone pain is typically severe and can be sharp or dull. It usually occurs suddenly, without any provoking events.
Mike Nguyen, MD
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Pyelonephritis Kidney Infection Signs And Symptoms
Written byEmily LunardoPublished onAugust 9, 2016
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys, which are part of the urinary system that also includes the urethra, ureters, bladder, and prostate for men. The kidneys primary role is filtering the bodys waste products, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining a normal concentration of electrolytes in the body.
When an infection occurs in the kidneys, it is known as an upper urinary tract infection, or pyelonephritis. Here we will outline the signs and symptoms related to a kidney infection.
Is Kidney Stone Pain Worse At Night
Usually, people with kidney stones have more pain in the late night and early morning. This is due to the fact that people normally urinate less during the late night and early morning and at this time the ureter remains constricted.
What are the first signs of kidney stones in females?
Here are eight signs and symptoms that you may have kidney stones.
- Pain in the back, belly, or side.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Urgent need to go.
- Going a small amount at a time.
- Nausea and vomiting.
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Is Drinking A Lot Of Water Good For Your Kidneys
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
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Fever And Chills Along With Your Back Pain
This could also mean that you have a urinary tract infection.
If you have any of these symptoms, along with your back pain, you should call your doctor right away.
If your pain is unbearable, is associated with fevers or chills, or you have nausea and vomiting that is preventing you from keeping down fluids or medications, you should seek immediate medical attention, Nguyen says.
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The Link Between Gastrointestinal Issues And Kidney Stones
If youve been diagnosed with gastrointestinal issues, you may be surprised to know that they may increase your risk of kidney stones. Additionally, sometimes kidney stones can even cause symptoms that mimic gastrointestinal issues as well.
Thats why its so important to know the relationship between these two types of health conditions. At Preva Surgicare Surgery Center Of The Woodlands in Texas, our urology experts can help you understand your risk for kidney stones, while our specialized Stone Relief Center can help you treat them.
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How Do You Know If Youre At Risk
There is no way to prevent appendicitis, and there are no genetic or hereditary factors involved that would alert you to the fact that youre at risk for appendicitis. In the entire U.S. population, the risk for developing appendicitis is fairly low. . The entire population only has a 7 percent chance of developing appendicitis. The only risk factor for developing appendix inflammation is being young. Those who are ages 10 to 19 are at the highest risk of developing the condition.
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Signs Of A Kidney Infection To Know And When To Go To The Hospital
Youre probably not constantly on the lookout for signs of a kidney infection. But getting a urinary tract infection can open you up to also getting an infection in one or both kidneys, which means this is an illness that should be on your radar. Yep, its an unfortunate truth: A urinary tract infection can lead to a kidney infection, which is medically known as pyelonephritis and can be incredibly serious. So if youre experiencing symptoms of a UTI and thinking, Eh, I can wait a few more days to get those antibiotics, think again. Heres what you need to know about the signs of a kidney infection, its underlying causes, why its so important to get treatment as soon as you can, and more.
Alyne Vasques Da Silva
I spent a good part of the time looking for help in medical offices followed by several hospitalizations without any probable diagnosis, thats when dyspnea, severe pain, high fever, edema and confusion started. It was then that I went to the operating room and found that I had a complicated asymptomatic appendicitis, which rendered me several days in a coma struggling in the ICU to cure sepsis, with some more severe complications came mediastinitis, necrosis in a part of the intestine , peritonitis and a stopper in the tracheostomy tube that led to a cardiorespiratory arrest that is difficult to … Read Full Story
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Symptoms & Causes Of Water Retention Because Of Kidney Disease
Water or fluid retention, also called as edema indicates the accumulation of clear yet watery fluid in an abnormal manner in the cavities or tissues present in the human body. In simple words, fluid/water retention or edema takes place by the excess amount of trapped fluid in the tissues of a human body. The problem may affect almost every part of ones body individuals may often notice the problem more in the arms, hands, legs, feet and ankles. Edema or water retention may be caused because of many reasons, but it is very common because of kidney problems in patients.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Appendicitis
There are many reasons you could be suffering from abdominal pain. When it comes to appendicitis, location is essential. Although you may feel pain radiating from your belly button, you likely will feel a cramping pain on the lower right side of your abdomen. However, other causes could be gas, indigestion, kidney infection or kidney stones, or irritable bowel syndrome . Most of these conditions warrant a trip to the doctor, so its better to be safe than sorry. However, in most cases, appendicitis requires an urgent trip to the nearest emergency room. Besides the obvious symptom of abdominal pain, other symptoms of appendicitis to be mindful of include:
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to pass gas
- Tenderness in the right side of the abdomen
The location of the abdominal cramping is paramount. If you suspect appendicitis may be a root cause and you are comorbidly suffering from constipation, do not take laxatives, as this may cause your appendix to rupture, which is very dangerous. This is known as peritonitis and can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention immediately.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI happens when foreign bacteria enter one or more parts of the urinary system. This includes the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, women are more likely to get infected. Some men get UTIs, and risk increases with age. Doctors classify the infections in two ways. A lower UTI affects the urinary tract and bladder. An upper UTI spreads to the kidneys and can be serious if left unchecked.
What Are Some Causes To Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating can also be a symptom of several serious conditions, including: pathologic fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity as a result of cancer , liver disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure celiac disease, or gluten intolerance pancreatic insufficiency, which is impaired digestion because the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes
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How Is Proteinuria Diagnosed
Proteinuria is diagnosed through a urine test. The patient provides a urine sample, which is examined in a lab. Doctors use a dipstick a thin plastic stick with chemicals on the tip to test part of the sample right away. If too much of any substance is in the urine, the chemical tip changes color.
The remainder of the urine is then examined under a microscope. Doctors look for substances that dont belong in urine. These substances include red and white blood cells, bacteria and crystals that can grow and develop into kidney stones.
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Signs Of Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a syndrome that indicates that there is a problem with the kidneys which leads to the person losing substantial amounts of protein via their urine.It can affect people of any age, but is most often the source of kidney problems in toddlers, children and teenagers. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that often occur together and develop as a result of another condition.
In children, this kidney problem is usually caused by a kidney disorder known as minimal change disease. More boys than girls are affected, and most children will experience the condition between the ages of 18 months and four years.
In adults, nephrotic syndrome is often caused by 2 kidney conditions that are associated with e.g. diabetes, autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or infections such as Hepatitis B or C, or HIV infection. Furthermore, severe preeclampsia is a cause of nephrotic syndrome in pregnant women.
Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:
- Loss of appetite
- Hypoalbuminemia, low levels of the protein albumin in the blood
- Albuminuria, high levels of albumin in the urine
Proteinuria and edema are the two most distinctive symptoms of nephrotic disorder. Edema, particularly around the eyes, is one of the first visible signs of nephrotic syndrome.
For more information, consult this resource on nephrotic syndrome. Worried that you may have nephrotic syndrome? Ada is ready to start your symptom assessment.
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Treating Renal Colic And Pain Management
See your doctor if you have symptoms of renal colic or urinary stones. Your doctor can do tests to look for increased levels of substances that form stones in your blood or urine. A CT scan can look for stones in your kidneys and other urinary organs.
If you have a large stone, your doctor can do one of these procedures to remove it and relieve renal colic:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy : This procedure uses shock waves aimed at your kidneys to break up the stones into very small pieces. You then pass the stone fragments in your urine.
- Ureteroscopy: Your doctor inserts a thin, lighted scope up through your urethra and bladder to remove the stone.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This procedure uses tiny instruments inserted through a small cut in your back to remove a stone. You will be asleep during this procedure.
In the short term, your doctor will give you medicines to relieve the pain of renal colic. Options include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- drugs to prevent muscle spasms
- opioid medicines