Causes Of A Kidney Infection
- Bacteria that usually reside in the gut area have easy access into the urinary tract through the anus or vagina. Once these pathogens enter the urethra, they proliferate and spread, eventually gaining entry into the kidneys through the ureters. The most common culprit is Escherichia coli, which is responsible for about 90 percent of cases of pyelonephritis among people who are not hospitalized or living in a nursing home.
- Any physical obstruction to the flow of urine on account of structural deformities, kidney stone, or benign prostatic hyperplasia . Another common precipitating factor for pyelonephritis is a condition called vesicoureteral reflux, which causes the backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters and thereby to the kidneys.
- About 5 percent of pyelonephritis cases can be traced back to infections that are carried through the bloodstream to the kidneys from another part of the body. For instance, a staphylococcal skin infection can breach the skin to make its way to your blood and eventually spread to the kidneys through the bloodstream.
- Even more rarely, you might contract a kidney infection in the aftermath of a kidney surgery.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
Some evidence shows that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against urinary tract infections.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection .
An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 mg of vitamin C every day .
The study found that vitamin C had a protective effect, cutting the risk of UTIs by more than half in those taking vitamin C, compared with the control group .
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C in just one serving .
Despite these studies, there is still more research needed to prove the effectiveness of vitamin C for reducing UTIs. .
SUMMARY
Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.
Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection .
In a 2016 study, women with recent histories of UTIs drank an 8-ounce serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks. Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group .
Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis
Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Know If You Have Kidney Disease
Treat Related Health Problems
When a childs bladder doesnt work exactly as it shouldcalled dysfunctional voidingtreatments may help the bladder work better and prevent repeated infections. The muscles that control urination may be out of sync. Or, your childs bladder may be overactive or underactive.
Health care professionals can treat these types of bladder problems with medicines, behavior changes, or both. Children often grow out of these bladder problems naturally over time.
If your child has vesicoureteral reflux, a urinary tract blockage, or an anatomical problem, see a pediatric urologist or other specialist. Treating these conditions may help prevent repeated bladder infections.
Diabetes and other health conditions can increase the risk for a bladder infection. Ask your childs health care professional how to reduce the risk of developing a bladder infection.
Also Check: Grapes Kidney Stones
Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Improved Renal Function
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which has antibacterial properties that can help in treating kidney infections that are particularly caused by E. coli. Plus, it can help balance the pH levels in the body and prevent the infection from spreading.
Caution:
Don’t Miss: Can Ibuprofen Cause Kidney Issues
Ayurvedic Herbs For Uti
Studies have shown that ayurvedic herbs for UTI are:
Juniper
Salvia officinalis
Punica granatum
Tribulus Terrestris
Terminalia chebula
Pee before and after having sex.
Remove sweaty underwear.
If you are on your periods, use a tampon or a menstrual cup to avoid friction near your vagina.
If possible, go commando altogether, so that you can rest your vagina.
Take a shower instead of a bath so that you can clean your private part.
Do not hold your urine in. Go to the restroom as soon as you can.
What Causes Kidney Infections
A kidney infection is caused by a bacterial infection that moves from your dogs bladder up the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. The most common bacteria that are seen in kidney infections are E. coli and Staphylococcus. Other bacteria such as Proteus, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and pseudomonas can also cause bladder infection and can be seen in dogs with kidney infections.
Also Check: Is Celery Good For Kidneys
From Wrong To Worse: Infection And Disease
Two of the most common kidney problems are infections and kidney stones.
Technically, kidney infection is a form of urinary tract infection resulting from E. coli bacteria gaining access to the urinary tract and connecting with the kidneys. This form of infection is common and generally treated with antibiotics.
Kidney stones, on the other hand, are solid, chemical deposits that form inside the kidneyoften due to dehydration. A kidney stone can be nearly invisible to the naked eye, as large as a marble, or bigger.
Tiny kidney stones pass out of the body in the urine, so youre never aware of those. Larger kidney stones, however, can become lodged in the ureter, a thin tube connecting the kidneys and the bladder.
When they become stuck, these stones can cause severe pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating.
It can take days or even weeks for a kidney stone to pass on its own. So, if youre experiencing kidney stone symptoms, see a health care professional as soon as possible.
What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Kidney Infections In Men And Women
The most important test in diagnosing kidney infection is a urinalysis . Urinalysis is a test to analyze urine sample and evaluate for an infection in the urine. Urinalysis is done by collecting a clean catch, midstream urine in a sterile collection cup. The urine may be analyzed by the doctor in the office using or by analysis in a laboratory.
Because urine is normally sterile, any finding suggesting an infection may be considered abnormal and supportive of a kidney infection.
Don’t Miss: How To Stop A Kidney Infection Before It Starts
Dont Take Leftover Medicine
Dr. Propst maintains that she typically does not recommend home remedies for the treatment of UTIs. But she also cautions you should also avoid digging around in your medicine cabinet and taking any old leftover antibiotics that you might have stashed there. Those antibiotics may not work at all for UTIs, she says. They may not even get to the bladder.
Plus, you run the risk of contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The bacteria youre trying to kill off might survive the mismatched or old antibiotic and survive, but then it may be harder to find another antibiotic that can get rid of it.
Next up, can a UTI Cause lower back pain?
Types Of Kidney Infection
Acute kidney infection refers to a relatively non-threatening form of pyelonephritis wherein the problem resolves completely when adequately treated. However, the condition is said to be chronic if the disease-causing bacteria continue to persist despite the prescribed treatment. As a result, the infection keeps recurring. This kind of sustained damage can severely compromise your kidney function.
Chronic pyelonephritis can even lead to the release of bacteria into the bloodstream, paving the way for subsequent infections in the opposite kidney or elsewhere in the body.
This long-standing condition is usually rooted in certain underlying abnormalities, such as a structural blockage in the urinary tract, large kidney stones that persist, and vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that causes small amounts of urine to flow backward from the bladder into the kidneys or cysts in the kidney.
Although chronic pyelonephritis is comparatively uncommon, most cases are reported in children and people with urinary blockages.
Read Also: Is Kidney Cancer Fast Growing
Up Your Vitamin C Intake
Theres some scientific evidence that increasing your vitamin C intake can help your body fight off infections, including those in the urinary tract. Thats because vitamin C can increase urine acidity, giving it antibacterial capabilities.
In one study, pregnant women who took 100 mg of vitamin C had less than half the risk of developing a UTI than the control group.
If you want to use vitamin C to treat or prevent a UTI, talk to your provider, who can help you decide how much to supplement. Another way to increase vitamin C intake is by eating foods that are rich in the vitamin, like red peppers, kiwi, and citrus fruits.
If you have a current UTI, citrus fruit and juice may irritate your bladder, so be sure to monitor your symptoms if you decide to up your vitamin C intake.
How To Easily Get Rid Of Bladder Infection
Learn how to get rid of bladder pain at home with these 20 remedies for bladder infection. Treat the UTI and ease your discomfort!
Bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, and it can also spread to the kidneys and prostate glands. It mostly affects women aged between 20 and 50. Pregnant women may also suffer from this problem. Though it is very common in women, it may also affect men due to sexual intercourse with infected women or anal intercourse. In acute cases, it is always recommended to consult a doctor, but bladder infection can also be cured by some simple home remedies.
Also Check: How Are Kidney Stones Made
How To Relieve Kidney Pain At Home
Dealing with kidney pain can be debilitating and is far from fun. If the pain is severe, it will interrupt your life and cause excessive levels of discomfort from day-to-day. Knowing how to relieve kidney pain at home will help you stay comfortable and safe while youre treating the underlying problem. Try out the following home remedies and always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or serious concerns.
Donât Miss: Can Stress Cause Kidney Infection
When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention
UTIs are uncomfortable, but theyre not an immediate medical emergency. Some people make the mistake of assuming the same is true with a kidney infection.
Kidney infections are serious conditions that do require medical attention. Untreated, a kidney infection can quickly cause long-term kidney damage or kidney scarring. These infections can also cause sepsis, which can lead to .
Because of this, a kidney infection can be fatal if it progresses. Its important to have it treated immediately by a healthcare professional.
Note that kidney stones, if left untreated, can also cause a blockage that can lead to infection and sepsis. This may require a procedure done with intravenous antibiotics by a urologist.
You May Like: What To Do For Kidney Infection Pain
Drink Lots Of Liquid Especially Water
Liquids can help flush bacteria from the urinary system. Water is best. Most healthy people should try to drink six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of liquid each day. If you need to drink less water because of other health conditions, such as bladder control problems, kidney failure or heart disease, ask your health care provider how much liquid is healthy for you.
An Apple A Day Keeps Kidney Infection At Bay
Apples are high in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties and thus help treat kidney infections. Apples can prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Regular consumption of this fruit can even reduce the risk of kidney-related problems.
- Eat an organic apple each day to keep your kidneys functioning properly.
Read Also: How To Improve Kidney Function Numbers
Home Remedies For Kidney Infection In Women And Men
Nephritis disease is caused by the infection in the kidney. This disease occurs and has been developing silently, making it hard to detect. When people have this disease, germs will go from the bottom up and then attach deeply onto the kidney. People with kidney infection will have throbbing pain in the hip area with a high fever and sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as bladder urination, painful urination, and the patients will feel very tired. For treating this disease effectively, the first thing to do is to determine the causes and the common symptoms.
How Do You Cure A Kidney Infection At Home
Every organ in the body plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy. Among them, the kidneys are one of the primary organs that keep the body free from all harmful toxins.
It is important to keep them healthy so that they can maintain the whole body. There are many diseases that can affect the kidneys function and some may affect the organ itself.
Usually, kidneys are affected by infection, and let us get to know how to treat them with some common home remedies.
Also Check: Std Kidney Pain
Recommended Reading: Is Orange Juice Good For Kidney Disease
When To See A Doctor For A Uti
Always go to your primary care physician immediately if there is blood in the urine, if you have a fever, and/or low back pain with your UTI symptoms, Sajdak advises. UTIs can move fast, so its better to go sooner than later.
Although natural remedies can be beneficial for alleviating UTI symptoms and preventing recurrent UTIs, they may not be effective in treating the infection.
If symptoms still persist after three days then it is time to move on to antibiotics, says Ivy Branin, ND, a naturopathic doctor in New York City who specializes in womens health. I often recommend a patient to see their doctor for a UA and a prescription for antibiotics just in case and to fill it if they have no improvement after three days.
Leaving a UTI untreated can cause additional health problems. Bacteria can reach the ureters or kidneys and cause kidney infections. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can also potentially cause early labor and low birth weight. Seeking treatment for UTI that isnt going awayor one that keeps coming backis always a good thing.
Also Check: Anti Inflammatory For Ear Infection
Staying Hydrated Is Key
![12 Home Remedies for Kidney Infection [Infographic]](https://www.healthykidneyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/12-home-remedies-for-kidney-infection-infographic-home-remedy-book.jpeg "12 Home Remedies for Kidney Infection [Infographic]")
Drinking plenty of fluids is a vital part of passing kidney stones and preventing new stones from forming. Not only does the liquid flush out toxins, but it also helps move stones and grit through your urinary tract.
Although water alone may be enough to do the trick, adding certain ingredients can be beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.
Talk to your doctor before getting started with any of the home remedies listed below. They can assess whether home treatment is right for you or if it could lead to additional complications.
If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies. Your doctor can determine whether a juice may cause side effects for you or your baby.
Don’t Miss: Does Kidney Disease Cause Water Retention
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.
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 youâre 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 youâre 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.
You May Like: Does Ibuprofen Hurt Your Kidneys
How Can You Improve Your Kidney Health
Lifestyle habits that benefit your overall health, like staying hydrated and exercising regularly, can be vastly beneficial to your kidney health.
Similarly, you shouldnt smoke, and you should go see your doctor for regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure. If youre at risk for kidney infections, you should have your kidneys tested and monitored.
Natural Home Remedies For Kidney Infection Relief
When the human kidneys work the way they should, they obviously play a crucial role in keeping the body strong, clean, and well-functioning. Conversely, if the kidneys have infection or failure, it will put the human body at risk, letting waste accumulate and wreak havoc, which explains why it is a good idea to do a kidney cleanse regularly. Normally, healthy people will have two kidneys which are about the size of a fist and situated close to the waste at either side of the spine. Kidneys have a basic role in assisting the body in detoxifying by removing waste products. They also help control blood pressure, eliminate toxins or drugs, regulate hormones, and maintain strong bones. So, maintaining healthy kidneys is very important if you want your body to function well. This article will show the best natural home remedies for kidney infection at home without drugs. Lets get started!
Recommended Reading: Does Wine Help Kidney Stones