What Are The Common Side Effects Of Kidney Infection Medications
Most antibiotics cause gastrointestinal problems including upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. All antibiotics can cause a serious secondary diarrheal infection due to a bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. The most serious side effects of fluoroquinolones are psychiatric disorders, heart problems, and tendon problems.
Analgesics like acetaminophen are relatively safe when taken as directed. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Acetaminophen, however, can be toxic in excess. Acetaminophen overdose damages the liver and could require emergency treatment and hospitalization.
Side effects will vary based on the medication. This is not a complete list, and you should consult with a healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation.
What Happens If An Antibiotic Doesn’t Work For A Urinary Tract Infection
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for urinary tract infections , most of which are caused by a bacteria called Escherichia Coli . Infections of the lower urinary tract, which includes bladder infections , are the most common type of UTI and are usually treated with a 3-5 day course of antibiotics. Sometimes, however, the antibiotic prescribed to treat a bladder infection doesnt work.
If you suspect your antibiotic isnt working you should promptly contact your healthcare provider. Left untreated a UTI may become more serious and in rare cases cause permanent or life-threatening complications.
How To Prevent Kidney Damage From Antibiotics
Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. Every medication that you take passes through your kidneys and water helps to flush them out.
Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day while taking antibiotics. Cranberry juice helps to flush out kidneys and prevent bacteria from growing in the urinary tract which can increase your risk for kidney damage.
Cut back on salt, caffeine drinks and alcohol while taking antibiotics. All of these substances are hard on the kidneys and can reduce their ability to filter your urine.
Avoid acetaminophen and pain killers while on antibiotics. Acetaminophen is found in many over the counter products, including Tylenol, and is always hard on the kidneys. Avoiding acetaminophen and pain killers while on antibiotics will reduce the strain on your kidneys to filter out the antibiotics, thus reducing your risk of kidney damage.
Monitor your blood pressure more frequently while on antibiotics and follow your physician’s orders on steps to decrease your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause kidney damage.
Monitor your blood sugar more frequently while taking antibiotics if you have diabetes. Many antibiotics can increase your blood sugar levels, and increased blood sugar levels can cause kidney damage.
Do not smoke cigarettes while taking antibiotics. Smoking is always toxic to the kidneys, but especially when you are taking medications that your kidneys need to filter out of your blood.
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References
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How Can I Prevent Kidney Infections
The following simple measures can help to prevent kidney infections:
- Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria out of your urethra and bladder. Drink;1.5 to 2 litres a day and aim for pale yellow urine.
- Don’t delay peeing avoid ‘holding on’.
- Make sure your bladder is as empty as possible every time you go.
- Women should always wipe from the front to the back after going to the toilet.
- Pee before and soon after sexual intercourse.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Theres no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but its a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.
Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether or not youre pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.
People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.
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What Is Kidney Infection
Infection in the urinary tract can involve the lower tract especially the bladder , prostate or the upper tract and kidney . It is usually a bacterial infection. The disease occurs in roughly three to seven of every 10,000 people in the United States. The occurrence in pregnant women is about 2 percent. It is readily treatable if diagnosed early.
A bacteria called Escherichia Coli causes about 90 percent of kidney infections. The bacteria migrate from the genitals through the urethra into the bladder and up the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys.
Some bacteria, such as staphylococcus infections, can enter the kidneys from the bloodstream.
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 Australia 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.
Arnold, J., McLeod, N., Thani-Gasalam, R. and Rachid, P. . RACGP Overactive bladder syndrome management and treatment options. Racgp.org.au. Available at:.
Bladderclinic.com.au, . Overactive Bladder . Available at:.
Cherney, K. . Home Remedies for Overactive Bladder. Healthline. Available at:.
Eilber, MD, K. . What Is The Difference Between A Small Bladder And An . EmpowHER. Available at:
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What Is The Outlook For Kidney Infections
With treatment, the outlook for kidney infections is very positive. It is vital that you take all of any prescribed medications for the infection. You may begin feeling better shortly after beginning a treatment, but still need to take the entire prescribed treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/22/2019.
References
- National Kidney Foundation. Accessed 5/23/19.Urinary Tract Infections
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Accessed 5/23/19. Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection
Can I Go To Work With A Kidney Infection
Most kidney infections are treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics. Symptom relief typically occurs after a few days of treatment, so it may be possible to go to work at that point. Many patients, however, require a week or two before they feel well enough to work. As always, never go to work with a fever.
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How Long Does A Kidney Infection Last
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What Are The Causes Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection;is caused by bacteria, often E. coli. They get into your urethra and move up to your bladder and ureter and then into your kidneys. Often you will have a urinary tract infection ;or cystitis at the same time or before you have a kidney infection. However, you can develop a kidney infection without a UTI or cystitis if you have kidney stones, diabetes or a weakened immune system. ;
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Are There Any Risks To Not Treating A Uti With Antibiotics
Yes. Most UTIs do not lead to kidney damage or other long-term problems. But even a mild UTI can cause major pain and discomfort. And UTI symptoms can also interfere with your personal life, or make you miss work.
In some cases, if a mild UTI is not treated, it can spread to your kidneys. In people with normal urinary tract anatomy, this seems to happen in about 2% of cases. But if your kidneys are infected, its possible that they could be damaged, especially if the infection isnt properly treated. And in some cases, the bacteria can spread beyond your urinary tract, infecting your blood or other body tissues. This can lead to a life-threatening situation, or even death.
Some groups of people are more likely to have complications with a UTI. These people should talk to a healthcare provider as soon as possible if they have any UTI symptoms.
Complications are more likely in people who:
-
Are pregnant
-
Have a catheter or ureteral stent
How Can I Help My Child
At home, these things can help prevent recurrent UTIs in kids:
Drinking Fluids Encourage kids to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and other fluids each day. Cranberry juice and cranberry extract are often suggested because they may prevent E. coli from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Always ask your doctor, though, if your child should drink cranberry juice or cranberry extract, because they can interfere with some medicines.
Good Bathroom Habits Peeing often and preventing constipation can help to prevent recurrent infections.
Multivitamins Vitamin C acidifies pee, making the environment less friendly to bacteria. Vitamins designed for kids are generally safe, but always ask your doctor before increasing the dose beyond the currently recommended daily allowance.
No Bubble Baths Kids should avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps because they can irritate the urethra.
Frequent Diaper Changes Kids in diapers should be changed often. This prevents stool from having prolonged contact with the genital area, which can lead to bacteria moving up the urethra and into the bladder.
Proper Wiping Girls should wipe from front to back after using the toilet to reduce exposure of the urethra to UTI-causing bacteria in stool.
Cotton Underwear Breathable cotton underwear is less likely to encourage bacterial growth near the urethra than nylon or other fabrics.
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Uti Not Going Away After 2 Rounds Of Antibiotics
su91629
So on Dec. 1 I went to urgent care w/ UTI symptoms, they did a culture and I had an UTI from e coli. They put me on 7 days of antibiotics. Exactly 2 weeks later I started feeling mostly just an urgency to go, went to urgen care and they tested it. Sure enough, UTI. The dr. put me on 5 days of Cipro and that I needed to follow up with my dr. On the 5th day, saw my dr. and they tested me. Nitrites was negative, but leukolytes were positive. She added another 5 days of Cipro. On the last few days of my cipro, I tested it on over-the-counter UTI test strips. They were negative for both, however after 24 hours off antibiotics, sure enough I tested positive for leukolytes and a few bacteria at the dr. office. They didn’t prescribe me anymore antibiotics until they culture it, which will take about 2 days. Has this happened, where as soon as you go off the antibiotics it starts coming back? How can you get rid of it?
0 likes, 15 replies
Posted 4 years ago
I had one kick in hard after surgery and right after being on cipro for over a week. On top of bring on it a couple weeks before that. Resistant strain of infection. Cipro did nothing.
Posted 4 years ago
Did you find something that eventually worked? Right now I’m waiting for a few days for the culture to come back. I don’t know what antibiotic they will try this time.
Posted 4 years ago
It got out of control. Went staph. In hospital for 5 days in IV meds. One was venctomycin. Sent me home after that with bactrum.
How Are Kidney Infections Diagnosed
Two common laboratory tests are performed to diagnose kidney infections . A urine sample is examined under a microscope to determine if white and/or red blood cells are present. The urine is also sent to the lab to see if bacteria grow in a urine culture. If a person is very sick, blood cultures may also be sent. The strain of bacteria that are cultured will determine the type of therapy used in your treatment.
Pyelonephritis can often be treated without X-ray studies, unless your doctor suspects there may be an addition problem. CT scans produce images of structures and organs and these scans are usually done without contrast . A renal ultrasound may sometimes suffice for evaluation.
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Who Is At Risk Of A Uti
Urinary tract infections can affect any person regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. They are, however, more common in females because they have shorter urethras, which are also closer to the rectum. This allows the bacteria to enter the urinary tract of the females more easily than that of the males.
Some of the other risk factors that increase the likelihood of UTIs are
What Is A Kidney Infection
Kidney infections are technically a type of UTI, since kidneys are part of your upper urinary tract, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . These infections are typically caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli that is usually found in the large intestine but can wreak havoc when it finds itself in the urinary tract.
Kidney infections are one of the most common urologic conditions that we see in general urology practice, Fara Bellows, M.D., a urologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF. Still, kidney infections are no joke.
This is a serious organ infection, and people need to take care of it, urologist David Kaufman, M.D., of New Yorks Central Park Urology, tells SELF. Bladder infections are really uncomfortable, but kidney infections can be deadly.
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Complementary Treatments You Can Do At Home
Some people prefer to treat medical conditions with home remedies or alternative remedies.
Because of how serious kidney infections are, its important that you dont rely on home remedies. Instead, you should take the prescription antibiotics your doctor gives you and use home remedies to help ease symptoms or pain. You can also use home remedies to avoid UTIs and improve kidney function.
How Are Urinary Abnormalities Diagnosed
Although UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, it’s important for a doctor to rule out any underlying abnormalities in the urinary system when UTIs happen repeatedly. Kids with recurrent infections should see a pediatric urologist to see what is causing the infections.
Some problems can be found even before birth. Hydronephrosis that develops before birth can be detected in a fetus by ultrasound as early as 16 weeks. In rare cases, doctors may consider neonatal surgery if hydronephrosis affects both kidneys and poses a risk to the fetus. Most of the time, though, doctors wait until after birth to treat the condition, because almost half of all cases diagnosed prenatally disappear by the time a baby is born.
Once a baby suspected to have hydronephrosis or another urinary system abnormality is born, the baby’s blood pressure will be monitored carefully, because some kidney problems can cause high blood pressure. An ultrasound may be used again to get a closer look at the bladder and kidneys. If the condition appears to be affecting both kidneys, doctors usually will order blood tests to measure kidney function.
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Symptoms Of Kidney Infection
Symptoms of pyelonephritis often begin suddenly with chills, fever, pain in the lower part of the back on either side, nausea, and vomiting.
About one third of people with pyelonephritis also have symptoms of cystitis , including frequent, painful urination. One or both kidneys may be enlarged and painful, and doctors may find tenderness in the small of the back on the affected side. Sometimes the muscles of the abdomen are tightly contracted. Irritation from the infection or the passing of a kidney stone can cause spasms of the ureters. If the ureters go into spasms, people may experience episodes of intense pain . In children, symptoms of a kidney infection often are slight and more difficult to recognize. In older people, pyelonephritis may not cause any symptoms that seem to indicate a problem in the urinary tract. Instead, older people may have a decrease in mental function , fever, or an infection of the bloodstream .
In chronic pyelonephritis, the pain may be vague, and fever may come and go or not occur at all.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection
If you have the following symptoms which are similar to basic urinary tract infection ; symptoms visit a nearby urgent care to treat the infection in a timely manner.
- Frequent or urgent, painful urination
- Cloudy, bad smelling, or bloody urine
- Abdominal pain
- Pressure in the pelvis
- This could also be a sign of a bladder infection.;
Our Lakway, TX and Colorado Springs, CO urgent care facilities are fully equipped to help you treat your kidney infection symptoms. For late-night kidney infection symptoms, our 24-hour emergency room locations throughout Texas are also available to serve you.;
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Can Kidney Infection Be Prevented
Most kidney infections are caused by germs travelling up from a bladder infection. So the same things that can help to reduce your chances of bladder infection should reduce your chances of kidney infection. Traditionally, people who got recurring urine infections were advised about measures such as drinking plenty of fluid and taking cranberry juice, and on the way that they wiped themselves after going to the toilet. However, there is little evidence for any of these measures and they are now not usually advised. Anything which increases your risk of urine infections which can be treated, should be treated. For example, any constipation should be treated promptly, as constipation can increase your chances of a bladder or kidney infection. See the separate leaflet called Constipation for more details. Doctors will try to treat anything else which might be contributing, such as kidney stones or an abnormality in the structure of the urinary system.
Pregnant women are regularly tested for urine infections and for germs in their urine. Even if they don’t have symptoms, if urine tests positive for germs, pregnant women are usually treated with antibiotics to prevent any complications.
In some cases people who have recurring urine infections are treated with a low dose of antibiotic continually. This may help to prevent recurrences and to prevent spread to the kidney.
Further reading and references