Urinary Tract Infections Must Be Treated Promptly By Your Doctor Left Untreated A Uti Can Be Painful And May Spread There Are Several Things You Should Avoid While You Have A Uti In Order To Prevent Worsening Of Symptoms
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections affecting older adults, especially women. If you have a UTI without complications, and you are otherwise in good health, your doctor might prescribe a shorter urinary tract infection treatment, such as a 3-day course of antibiotics. However, treatment type and length will depend on your medical profile and specific symptoms. Additionally, your physician may prescribe pain medication that relieves burning during urination, but pain is usually relieved shortly after beginning the antibiotic treatment. Below is some information to help you know what to do if you have a UTI infection in order to prevent exacerbating your UTI symptoms.
The following things can further irritate your bladder and increase the frequency of sensing an urgent need to urinate. Until your UTI has cleared up, you should:
Increase An Important Vitamin
Vitamin C provides vital support to your immune system, which will allow it to fight infections naturally. Vitamin C also raises the acid level in your kidneys, making it difficult for bacteria to live and grow inside them. Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods daily including kiwi fruit, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Find out how to make your own vitamin C supplements.
Kidney Infection Home Remedies
You can do some things at home to feel better while you have an infection:
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush out germs.
- Get extra rest.
- When you go to the bathroom, sit on the toilet instead of squatting over it, which can keep your bladder from completely emptying.
- Take a pain reliever with acetaminophen. Donât use aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen because these can raise your risk of kidney problems.
- Use a heating pad on your belly, back, or side.
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How To Prevent Kidney Disease
This article was medically reviewed by . Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 83,948 times.
Studies show that in addition to filtering waste from your body, your kidneys also regulate your blood pressure, protect your bones, and keep minerals and fluids balanced in your body, among other things.XResearch source Unfortunately, one in three Americans is at risk for chronic kidney disease.XResearch source This disease most often develops as a consequence of another condition and develops over the course of several months or years. Experts note that there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk for this damaging kidney disease, including diet and lifestyle changes.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
You might not want to talk about them, but infections of the urinary tract and genital area are not only annoying, they can be dangerous. Their symptoms can include painful and frequent urination, fever, chills, abdominal and back pain, and itching. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to avoid these infections and keep your private parts working their best. In this article, we’ll look at bladder infections, kidney infections, and yeast infections. Here’s a quick preview:
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide , Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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Risk Factors For A Kidney Infection
There are a few things that can up your risk factor of contracting a kidney infection, according to the Mayo Clinic, and some you have zero control over:
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Having avagina. The urethra, that small tube that carries urine out of your body, is shorter in people with vaginas than it is in people with penises. That makes it easier for bacteria to travel from outside your body into the bladder. Your urethra is also close to your vagina and anus, which opens you up to more chances that bacteria from one of those areas will get into your urinary tract.
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Having something blocking your urinary tract. That can be anything that slows down the flow of urine or makes it hard for you to fully empty your bladder when you pee, like a kidney stone.
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Having a weak immune system. Having an underlying medical condition like diabetes or HIV, or using medications that tamp down on your immune system, can increase your risk.
Other potential risk factors include having damage to the nerves around your bladder, using a urinary catheter for the first time, and having a condition like vesicoureteral reflux, which causes urine to flow the wrong way, the Mayo Clinic says.
Ditch The Pain Relievers
You might think that taking pain relievers might be the answer to your pain, but actually over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin even acetaminophen are very, very hard on the kidneys. Studies show that heavy use of pain relievers greatly increases your risk of developing kidney cancer. Keep reading: We have a few methods that can help to ease the pain while your kidneys are healing.
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Is It A Kidney Infection Or Something Else
Your symptoms could also result from another common illness. Some similar conditions you may mistake for a kidney infection include:
- Other UTIs. Other types of UTIs, such as those affecting the urethra and bladder, can also cause symptoms like urgent and painful urination, abdominal pain, and urine thats cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody.
- Kidney stones.Kidney stones are hard deposits of materials like calcium or uric acid that form in the kidneys. When they become lodged in the kidneys, they can cause pain in the abdomen, side, or back, as well as nausea and vomiting.
- Lower back pain. If low back pain is your primary symptom, you may have a condition thats affecting your lower back. Examples include injuries, degenerative disc disease, and nerve compression.
- Pregnancy. Symptoms like frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal cramping can all be early signs of pregnancy.
Its always a good rule of thumb to seek medical attention if you experience any new or concerning symptoms. A healthcare professional can work with you to determine what may be causing them.
Heres an idea of what you can expect when you seek care for a possible kidney infection.
What Is A Kidney Infection
Kidney infections are a type of UTI. The medical term for a kidney infection is pyelonephritis. Certain bacteria and viruses can cause these infections.
Experts believe that many kidney infections start as an infection of the lower parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra. Many times, these infections happen when bacteria from your bowel enter your urinary tract through your urethra.
Its possible for a UTI to continue to move up your urinary tract, progressing from your bladder into your kidneys.
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Iu Researchers Discover Promising New Way To Prevent Treat Kidney Infections
INDIANAPOLIS Ten IU School of Medicine researchers out of a team of 11 scientists, are responsible for the findings of a new study they conducted to investigate alternative ways to treat kidney infections. Their work, which is published in the high-quality research journal Nature Communications, examined how to utilize the kidneys own internal infection fighting capabilities to treat and even prevent kidney infections, with the knowledge that eventually antibiotics wont work.
According to statistics, urinary tract infections or UTIs are one of the most frequent bacteria-causing infections affecting people of all ages. UTIs become more severe kidney infections, when the bacteria ascend from the bladder to the kidney. Kidney infections are common, occurring in 13 out of 10,000 females and 4 of 10,000 males every year. Kidney infections may cause high fevers, permanent kidney damage or even sepsis. Additional data suggests that cases of antibiotic resistant UTIs are surging, making the way for more UTIs to become the more serious kidney infections.
Specifically, the research team discovered that a type of cells within the kidney called intercalated cells both consume bacteria and secrete acid, which is a process known as phagocytosis and has historically been a capability only associated with white blood cells.
Ladies Hygiene Tips Relevant At Any Age
Finally. ladies hygiene tips are relevant at any age. They do have some role in helping to prevent urine infections.
But that’s not all to think about – read here to learn other ways urine infections can happen in women.
If you struggle with frequent urine infections and found these ladies hygiene tips useful, please let us know or send in a question via our help link here.
References
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Antibiotics And Your Health
Now that you know there is no single food good for kidney repair, if you have a kidney infection or UTI, visit your doctor as soon as you can. If the cause is a bacterial infection, you’ll probably be prescribed an antibiotic. The Mayo Clinic states that antibiotics are the first line of defense for kidney infections.
Even after you feel better, continue to take your antibiotics until you have finished all the medication. If you don’t, the bacteria may linger and the infection may not go away or it may cause more serious complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Your doctor may want to repeat a urine culture after you’ve completed the antibiotics to see if the infection has cleared up. If you still show signs of infection, you’ll probably be given another course of antibiotics to take. When you’ve finished taking your second course of antibiotics, you’ll repeat the urine culture.
How Can I Prevent Future Kidney Infections
by Social Joey | May 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
Although kidney infections are rare, theyre quite serious. In fact, when left untreated, kidney infections can be life-threatening!
Certainly, nobody wants to experience anything like that, so how can you stay healthy and protect your kidneys? Our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team has some answers, so read on.
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Top 10 Things To Know About Urinary Tract Infections
Did you know that cranberries can be more than just another side dish on the dinner table? They actually contain compounds that can help prevent recurring urinary tract infections . UTI is the most common bacterial infection occurring in the kidney transplant recipient, particularly in the first few months post-transplant. The major risk factors for UTI in the kidney transplant recipient include bladder catheters, handling and trauma to the kidney and ureter during surgery, anatomic abnormalities of the native or transplanted kidneys and immunosuppression medication. But there are steps you can take to prevent and treat these infections. As part of a new educational partnership, the National Kidney Foundation and the Cranberry Marketing Committee have compiled a list of the top 10 most important facts about UTIs.
How To Prevent Kidney Infection
Some changes in your lifestyle may prevent or reduce the possibility of kidney infection, including:
- Always drink plenty of water.
- Do not store the urine for a long time. Urinate immediately whenever you feel the urge.
- Use lubricated condoms instead of spermicidal ones.
- Maintain proper hygiene of your genital area after urinating and a bowel movement.
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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.
Who’s At Risk For Vaginal Yeast Infections
The majority of women have at least one bout with vaginal candidiasis during adulthood. Women who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic conditions such as diabetes are at increased risk. Women who use broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroid medications also are at risk because the medications can kill off “good” bacteria and allow Candida albicans to thrive.
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Be Aware Of The Amount Of Otc Pills You Take
If you regularly take over-the-counter pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.
People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys health. Talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if youre coping with pain.
If youre at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, its a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people may benefit from regular screening:
- people who are over 60 years old
- people who were born at a low birth weight
- people who have cardiovascular disease or have family with it
- people who have or have a family history of high blood pressure
- people who are obese
- people who believe they may have kidney damage
A regular kidney function test is a great way to know your kidneys health and to check for possible changes. Getting ahead of any damage can help slow or prevent future damage.
When To See A Gp
See a GP if you feel feverish and have pain that will not go away in your tummy, lower back or genitals.
You should also see a GP if you have symptoms of a UTI that have not improved after a few days, or if you have blood in your pee.
Contact a GP immediately if you think your child may have a kidney infection.
If you cannot get a GP appointment and need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest urgent care centre .
If you do not have a local UCC, go to your nearest A&E.
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What Are The Symptoms
In the early stages of IgA nephropathy, the main symptom is blood in the urine. In medical terms, this is called hematuria. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 15 and 35, but they may go unnoticed for years because the amount of blood in the urine is very small.
If the disease progresses and starts to impair the function of your kidneys, you may also experience:
- brown or tea-colored urine
Who Typically Gets Kidney Infections
Anyone can get a kidney infection, but youre more likely to get one if you:
- Have a bladder infection . An infection in the bladder can spread to the kidneys
- Are female. Women get kidney infections more often than men primarily due to their anatomy. In women, the urethra is shorter than in men, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body and travel up the urinary tract. The urethra is also closer to the vagina and anus in women than in men. In women, bacteria can spread from the vagina and anus to the urethra, then travel up the urinary tract to the kidneys
- Have a problem with your urinary tract that makes it harder for urine to pass through
- Have a blockage in your urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate
- Are pregnant
- Have diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system. This could be caused by a disease, such as diabetes or HIV, or by immunosuppressants
- Have nerve or spinal cord damage that prevents the feeling of pain in the genitourinary area which can keep you from noticing symptoms of a kidney infection
- Use a catheter to drain urine from your bladder
- Have vesicoureteral reflux;which allows urine to flow backwards up the ureters, which can lead to kidney infections
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