How Is A Kidney Infection Diagnosed
Kidney infection diagnosis is based on physical symptoms and urine testing. Most typically, a kidney infection diagnosis will be made by a general practitioner, urgent care physician, or emergency room physician.
Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection, so symptoms will typically include symptoms of a bladder infection such as pain over the pubic area, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. The healthcare professional will look for specific symptoms of a kidney infection in addition to the UTI symptoms:
- Pain in the side or lower back pain
- Costovertebral angle tenderness, which is pain caused by tapping the back above the kidney
- Fever
- Nausea
Fever, flank pain, and nausea are the strongest indicators of kidney infection.
The diagnosis is confirmed with urinalysis and a urine culture. The urine test will confirm the diagnosis by identifying white blood cells and other substances indicating infection. The urine culture is used to both identify the type of bacteria responsible for the infection and determine its resistance to antibiotics. Both are critical in determining the most effective antibiotic therapy.
Blood tests are not usually ordered for patients with an uncomplicated kidney infection, but blood will be tested for hospitalized patients.
Antibiotics For Kidney Infection
Curing kidney infections always need you to take an antibiotic for kidney infection to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Clinically referred to as pyelonephritis, kidney infections are an outcome of germs entering the kidneys, the majority of frequently from a pre-existing infection in the urinary tract like a bladder infection. Depending upon the intensity of the infection and kind of bacteria, different types of kidney infection antibiotics are used as the first line of defense. Comprehend what a kidney infection is and find out about the different types of nonprescription medicine for kidney infections below.
Duration Of Kidney Infection
A kidney infection usually starts out as a urinary tract infection that affects the bladder. Theres no rule for how long it takes a UTI to spread from your bladder to your kidneys.
If left untreated, a kidney infection may not resolve on its own, potentially becoming a severe infection or leading to a chronic or recurrent infection, notes the Mayo Clinic.
When treated with antibiotics, you may start to feel better two to three days after starting the drug. Its important, though, to continue your treatment for the entire course thats prescribed.
For a mild kidney infection, treatment can last 7 to 14 days. It may take a week or longer for your symptoms to resolve with treatment.
A severe or complicated kidney infection may take much longer to treat, depending on how far the infection has spread and what other complications it has caused, according to MedlinePlus.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Infections
Symptoms of kidney infections vary by age. Symptoms may include
- chills
- cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- frequent, painful urination
A child younger than 2 years old with a kidney infection may only have a high fever.
An adult older than age 65 with a kidney infection may have none of the typical symptoms. An older person may only have problems with thinking, such as
- confusion
- jumbled speech
How To Avoid A Kidney Infection
A kidney infection is a significant medical condition that needs prompt treatment. Such infection mainly initiates as a bladder infection or a UTI . The infection then spread gradually to one or both kidneys. It is essential to treat kidney infections. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent kidney damage. It can also move to other parts of the body, causing more severe infection.
Kidney infections are mostly treated with antibiotics. So, if you are wondering what to avoid with a kidney infection, here we are to help you. You can also maintain your diet in such a manner that will improve your condition.
Here, we will explain to you about the best antibiotics, treatment without antibiotics, and your diet.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that carry out many essential functions. Such as:
- Filtering blood
If you are having any of the above signs, immediately consult the Urologists in Karachi
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Kidney Infection Back Pain
Can kidney problems give you back pain? The main indicator of whether a urinary tract infection has migrated from the bladder to the kidneys is a fever and back pain.
Kidney infections are serious and require immediate medical attention. Its important to know the symptoms of a kidney infection so that you know when to seek treatment.
Treating A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are treated using antifungal medications. These are available in many forms, such as clotrimazole and miconazole, which are available over the counter. There is also an oral medication, fluconazole , available as a prescription if you prefer a pill to a vaginal cream or suppository.
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Treatments For A Urinary Tract Infection
The type of treatment you are prescribed and the length of time you need to take medicine depends on your health history and the type of bacteria found in your urine.
Medications
Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic medicine that stops the growth of bacteria in your urine.
Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid to be taken by mouth. The medicine is taken two or three times a day with or without food. If you have a UTI and are prescribed an antibiotic like amoxicillin, you should start feeling better within a few days. It is important to remember that even though your symptoms may start to subside within a few days, you should continue to take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The treatment length depends on your unique circumstances.
Home care
A healthy lifestyle that includes methods like regular bathing and good hygiene may help you control and prevent urinary tract infections. These techniques include:
- Choosing NOT to use douche or feminine hygiene products containing perfumes
- Avoiding bath oils
Infections Along The Urinary Tract
While most of these infections are simply referred to as a UTI, the location of the infection makes a difference. Lower urinary tract infections are very common and easy to treat, but as the infection travels upwards, it gets more difficult and more dangerous.
- Lower Urinary Tract Infection
A lower urinary tract infection is what we commonly refer to as a UTI. It occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and causes a frequent urge to use the bathroom, burning sensations, dark urine, bladder discomfort, and kidney pain.2
- Bladder Infection
Bladder infections occur when the lower UTI works its way into the bladder. Youll experience similar symptoms, oftentimes persisting for longer periods of time and with an increase in frequency or intensity.
- Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when excess bacteria has built up in the urinary tract and reached the kidneys.1 It is considered an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious than lower urinary tract infections.
Once the infection spreads to your kidneys, its more dangerous. Kidney infections can be very serious and may require hospitalization. If you think you have a kidney infection, dont hesitate to schedule an appointment with your urologists for a proper diagnosis. In addition to a urine culture, your doctor will need to order imaging tests, blood tests, or a combination of both to confirm the location of the infection.
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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.
How To Get Rid Of A Kidney Infection: Can Natural Remedies Help
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is also a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 43,713 times.
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that settles in one or both kidneys. It usually starts in the urethra or bladder and works its way up into the kidneys. This sounds scary, but fortunately, these infections are easy to treat with antibiotics and should clear up without any lasting problems. However, they definitely require medical treatment. Some natural remedies can prevent the infection from getting worse and complement the treatment youre receiving, but they wont cure the infection on their own. Together, medication and lifestyle treatments can heal your infection in no time.
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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. Urinary Tract Infections Accessed 5/23/19.
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection Accessed 5/23/19.
Prevention Is Key To Fighting Kidney Disease
Now that weve looked at the bad news, youll be happy to hear that theres a good side here, too, and it is this: For the most part, the conditions that lead to kidney problems are avoidable. And, often times, very avoidable.
A great way to start is by asking your health-care professional for blood panel readings of three key measures of kidney health: the BUN and creatinine levels and your eGFR numbers.
Heres a quick overview of the two:
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Do I Need Medical Care For A Yeast Infection Or A Uti
With knowledge about symptoms and causes, you may be able to make a diagnosis at home.
But in some cases, you may want to visit a healthcare provider for help. There is evidence that women often have difficulty in correctly diagnosing themselves and therefore may use the wrong treatment. So, if you are unsure which infection you have, or you want guidance on the best treatment options for you, your provider can help.
What Is The Function Of The Kidneys
The excess waste products and excess fluid are removed when the kidneys produce urine that is excreted from the body. Moreover, the kidneys play an important role in the regulation of the bodys salt, potassium, and acid content.
The kidneys also produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells that help regulate blood pressure and help control calcium and electrolyte metabolism in the body.
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Kidney Infection Versus Uti: Whats The Difference
Kidney infections are a type of UTI, but its often more aggressive because the bladder infection has spread further up the urinary tract. So, if you hold off on seeking treatment, things can maybe start to get dicey. This is a serious organ infection and people need to take care of it, David Kaufman, MD, a urologist at New Yorks Central Park Urology, tells SELF. Bladder infections are uncomfortable, but kidney infections can be deadly.
As for how long it takes for a bladder infection to turn into a kidney infection? Theres no one-size-fits-all answer, but once infection-causing bacteria make their way from the bladder up into the kidneys, a persons symptoms can start to intensify very suddenly.
Diagnosis Of Kidney Infection
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Theyll examine you and ask you to give a urine sample. This urine sample can be tested to see if you have an infection. This is sometimes called a dipstick test. Your GP will also send a urine sample to a laboratory to find out which type of bacteria is causing the infection.
If you have a severe kidney infection or your GP is unsure if you have a kidney infection, they may arrange extra tests. These may include:
- blood tests
- scans which can check for problems such as blocked tubes or kidney stones
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When Should I Go To The Doctor
A kidney infection can develop quite quickly over a few hours or days, so dont wait to see the doctor. Any of the above symptoms of a UTI or kidney infection should trigger a visit to your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
A doctor will analyze a sample of your urine. If you test positive for a kidney infection, youll be prescribed oral antibiotics and, in some cases, a medication that helps relieve pain with urination. If treated promptly, a kidney infection shouldnt cause serious harm.
If you experience a fever over 101°F, pain, are unable to drink or take oral medication along with some of the other symptoms, get to the nearest urgent care or ER. For more serious infections, your doctor may keep you in the hospital for observation with IV antibiotics followed by outpatient oral antibiotics.
After completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics, you should feel better. If you dont, talk to your doctor, as you may need another course of antibiotics.
Urinary Tract Infection In Children
Overview of urinary tract infection in children
A urinary tract infection in children is a fairly common condition. Bacteria that enter the urethra are usually flushed out through urination. However, when bacteria arent expelled out of the urethra, they may grow within the urinary tract. This causes an infection.
The urinary tract consists of the parts of the body that are involved in urine production. They are:
- two kidneys that filter your blood and extra water to produce urine
- two ureters, or tubes, that take urine to your bladder from your kidneys
- a bladder that stores your urine until its removed from your body
- a urethra, or tube, that empties urine from your bladder to outside your body
Your child can develop a UTI when bacteria enter the urinary tract and travel up the urethra and into the body. The two types of UTIs most likely to affect children are bladder infections and kidney infections.
When a UTI affects the bladder, its called cystitis. When the infection travels from the bladder to the kidneys, its called pyelonephritis. Both can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but a kidney infection can lead to more serious health complications if left untreated.
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Main Symptoms Of Kidney Infection
A urinary tract infection usually begins in the bladder and the symptoms and signs of a bladder infection might stay the same after the infection spreads to the kidneys. These indications consist of: cloudy and dark urine that may appear red or pink from blood, unpleasant or burning urination, foul smelling urine, pain in the abdominal area, a heat that remains under 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the infection has spread to the kidneys the following additional signs can be expected: a heat that surpasses 101 degrees Fahrenheit, nausea, throwing up, and chills and shaking.
Usually, kidney infection symptoms will feel even worse during urination. A significant change to your typical pattern of urination accompanied with common symptoms and signs of kidney infection are good indications to call your doctor.
Interactions Of Amoxicillin For Sinusitis
As the Amoxicillin 500 mg Tablet is allopathic medicine, it can easily react with other medicines that you are taking. The other medicines, when combined with Amoxicillin 500 mg tablet, can worsen the side effects of Amoxicillin 500 mg Tablet.
Not only the side effects but any underlying health issue can also aggravate if this medicine is taken without the doctors approval.
Medicines that can interfere with Amoxicillin 500 mg Tablet and can cause moderate or serious side effects are-
- Allopurinol
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How Can A Kidney Infection Be Successfully Treated
Kidney infections are often successfully treated by antibiotics. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, its important to visit our AFC center quickly to get an accurate diagnosis and to get the proper treatment for your infection.
When you visit, youll likely be asked to provide a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood or pus in your urine to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor might also take a blood sample for a culture, which is a lab test that checks for bacteria or other organisms in your blood. If the test results do show that you have a kidney infection, oral antibiotics will likely be prescribed, and these usually take care of the problem in about two weeks.