Common Causes Of Abdominal Pain
Having abdominal pain can be a mild inconvenience or have a significant impact on your well-being. There are several reasons why you may have abdominal pain, ranging from minor muscle strains to appendicitis that requires surgery.
Our skilled providers at Smart Clinic Urgent Care often deal with patients suffering from abdominal pain. Here are the six most common causes.
How Long Will The Effects Last
For most UTIs, the symptoms go away within 24 hours after you begin treatment. Take all of the medicine your healthcare provider prescribes, even after the symptoms go away. If you stop taking your medicine before the scheduled end of treatment, the infection may come back.
Without treatment, the infection can last a long time. If it is not treated, the infection can permanently damage the bladder and kidneys, or it may spread to the blood. If the infection spreads to the blood, it can be fatal.
What Antibiotics Are Used For The Treatment And Cure Of Kidney Infections
The most important component of the treatment of kidney infection is the prompt administration of antibiotics. As soon as the diagnosis of UTI or kidney infection is made by an analysis of urine, antibiotics need to be started. Typically, a strong antibiotic is started first, one which would be effective in treating all typical bacteria suspected of causing the infection. Once the actual bacteria are recovered and their sensitivity is determined, then a different antibiotic may be selected if the bacteria show resistance to the antibiotic that was originally started.
Several types of antibiotics are available and used to treat kidney infection. The choice depends on specific situations, clinical setting, tolerance, allergies, and ability to take oral medications.
Some of the common antibiotics used include
The doctor diagnosing the kidney infection can determine what is the most appropriate in a given situation.
Similar to any infection, a routine follow-up with the physician treating the kidney infection is important to assure that therapy has been effective. More immediate follow up may be necessary if the symptoms of the infection do not improve after a few days of antibiotics and supportive care. In such cases, further investigation may be necessary to rule out a complicated kidney infection and to assure that the organism causing the infection is sensitive to the prescribed antibiotics.
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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.
How Does Kidney Infection Affect Your Stomach
Stomach is one of essential organs of your digestive system. And the kidneys are part of your urinary system. But sometime they can affect each other if one of them goes awry. For instance if you have infection in the kidney, it may also cause pain in the stomach. There are a number of ways of how kidney infection can affect your stomach.
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Over The Counter Medications For Urinary Tract Infections
- Brand names listed as examples do not imply better quality over other brands. Generic equivalents may also exist.
- Use only as directed on the package, unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do otherwise.
- OTCs may interact with other medications or be potentially harmful if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your pharmacist about options that are right for you.
What Is The Function Of Our Kidney
Kidneys are present in a pair since a human body is born. They are situated on the left and right side of your back muscle, in the upper abdominal region. When we consume food or liquids through our mouth, they enter our stomach for further processing. The waste generated after the processing of liquids and other waste materials in the body goes inside the kidneys. The kidneys process this waste and create a way of removing them from our body.
Any complications or problems in the kidney effects the removal of waste from the body. This waste cumulates to release toxins that prove to be fatal. Due to the location of kidneys in our body, people usually confuse kidney pain with back pain. An easy way to determine if youre having back pain is to find the area of pain. Kidney pain occurs in the region approximately below your ribs, while back pain happens in the lower back region.
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Warning Signs Usually Point To Kidney Issues
Symptoms of PSGN can include:
- Dark, reddish-brown urine
- Swelling , especially in the face, around the eyes, and in the hands and feet
- Feeling tired due to low iron levels in the blood
In addition, someone with PSGN usually has:
- Protein in the urine
- High blood pressure
Some people may have no symptoms or symptoms that are so mild that they dont seek medical help.
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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Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of a lower UTI include
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- The feeling of being unable to empty your bladder fully
- Cloudy and/or foul-smelling urine that may contain blood
- Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
- Feeling achy, tired and generally under-the-weather
Symptoms of an upper UTI include
- A high temperature of 38°C
- Pain in your sides or back
- Shivering or chills
- Agitation or restlessness
Doctors Look At How Well The Kidneys Are Working
Doctors diagnose PSGN by looking at a patients medical history and ordering lab tests. Doctors can test urine samples to look for protein and blood. Doctors can also do a blood test to see how well the kidneys are working. They can also determine if a patient recently had a group A strep infection.
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Causes Of Kidney Pain
You have the chance of preventing kidney pain if you understand the causes which lead to it. Prevention is truly the best cure and knowledge is the tool which gives you that. Kidney pain can occur on both the sides left and right at once or in any one of them. Generally, doctors recommend different kinds of physical examinations and lab tests after knowing about the patients history. The knowledge of patients history helps the doctor in understanding the scope of lower urinary tract infection. Doctors would conduct a pelvic exam to check if the pain is caused due to complications in the working of ovaries or uterus, or an infection. The doctor sends a sample of the patients urine to the lab. The results of the test, reflect the type of bacteria causing the infection which leads to kidney pain. Accordingly, the doctor will start the course of antibiotics to cure it.
Kidney pain after drinking occurs mostly because of the excessive pressure on the bladder.
- Bacteria
- Transfer of bacteria in the kidney from the bladder or urethra.
- The rectal area or vagina is the ground zero for these bacteria in the patients body. From there, they travel up to the bladder and spread to the kidneys.
- However, these bacteria can travel to the different parts of the body instead of stopping at the kidneys.
- Abnormal kidney system from birth is sure to catch an infection leading to kidney pain.
- Kidney stones.
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Nausea
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Is It Possible To Have A Uti Without Any Symptoms
Yes. Symptoms of a UTI can vary, and it’s not entirely uncommon for someone to experience no symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Its estimated that 1 to 5 percent of younger women experience asymptomatic bacteriuria , which is a UTI without the classic symptoms. While its unclear why the bacteria involved with urinary tract infections sometimes don’t cause symptoms for these people, we do know that instances of symptom-free UTIs increase with age. Up to 16 percent of women older than 65 have been found to have ASB, and that number grows to almost 20 percent for women over 80. Other factors that increase your chances of an asymptomatic UTI are:
- Urinary catheter use
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Kidney Infection And Stomach Pain
If you have kidney infection, typically the infection will cause burning sensation or pain when you pee. Sometime pain may also be felt in other areas of the body.
For instances, stomach pain can also be one of the symptoms of the infection. Typically, it is felt in the lower abdomen. You may also have pain in your back, your side , or around genitals .
Your abdominal pain is likely to be associated with kidney infection if you also experience other symptoms of the disease. These include:
How Do You Treat It
You will have to consider the intake of any medicines, amount of fluid intake and consumption of caffeine and alcohol before deciding if it is a case of frequent urination with you.
If you still face difficulties with urination, you can always take a test to determine the same. Once you have identified what causes excessive urination, you will be able to control it to some extent, without medical interference.
In general, it is recommended to follow these tips to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your bladder:
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
Also, read: Common Causes of Frequent Urination in Men
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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
What Are Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are painful accumulations of minerals that form in your kidneys and can cause serious pain. Often smaller stones can pass freely through your urinary tract without symptoms, but larger stones can become stuck in the urinary tract causing severe abdominal or lower back pain and other symptoms.
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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.
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, it’s 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.
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Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting
Why this happens:
A severe build-up of wastes in the blood can also cause nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss.
What patients said:
I had a lot of itching, and I was nauseated, throwing up all the time. I couldn’t keep anything down in my stomach.
When I got the nausea, I couldn’t eat and I had a hard time taking my blood pressure pills.
Are Kidney Infections Serious What Is The Prognosis
Generally, urinary tract and kidney infections are common conditions with an overall favorable outlook.
- A kidney infection can be managed at home if the infection is diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics.
- Severe or complicated infections may require more intensive treatment and possible hospitalization.
- Personal hygiene is important in the prevention of recurring kidney infections.
- Cranberry juice is a simple natural remedy to prevent recurring kidney infections.
Rarely, serious complications from a kidney infection occur.
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Causes Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body .
The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.
E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm.
They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you’re not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo.
A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Medical History And Physical Examination
In addition to inquiring about symptoms of pyelonephritis, especially flank pain, fever, and nausea/vomiting, a doctor will also check your vitals, including your body temperature.
A fever is often present in people with acute pyelonephritisexceptions may include people with weakened immune systems or the elderly.
Your doctor will also check for costovertebral angle tenderness by tapping on the area of your lower back which overlies your kidney.
If pain is elicited when your doctor taps on this area, the diagnosis of pyelonephritis is supported.
Keep in mind, other conditions can cause CVA tenderness and in certain instances, especially obese individuals, it may be challenging to accurately access for CVA tenderness.
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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.
Are There Any Complications From A Kidney Infection
Most people who develop a kidney infection make a full recovery if treatment is given promptly. Possible complications which occur in a small number of cases include:
- Sometimes germs from a kidney infection get into the bloodstream, particularly if treatment is delayed. This may cause blood poisoning . This can be serious or even life-threatening.
- In pregnant women who develop pyelonephritis occasionally, it may result in the baby being born early or with a lower birth weight.
- A kidney abscess can develop. This is a collection of pus that forms within the kidney.
- The infection can sometimes cause some permanent damage to kidney tissues.
These complications are uncommon but may be more likely if:
- You become severely ill with the kidney infection.
- You have kidney stones.
- Your immune system is suppressed – for example, if you have cancer, if you are taking medication such as steroids or chemotherapy, or if you have AIDS.
- You have poorly controlled diabetes.
- You are an older person .
- You are pregnant.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis is also a rare complication. In this condition the kidney tissues are rapidly destroyed by the infection and the bacteria can release toxic gases which can build up in the kidneys. You become very unwell if you develop this complication. This complication seems mostly to affect people who have poorly controlled diabetes.
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