Symptoms of Kidney Infection

Although symptoms of kidney infection can vary from one person to another, they typically come on quite suddenly in most people. Your kidneys play many important roles in your body so it is important for them to be healthy. They filter waste products out of the blood, regulate blood pressure, contribute to red blood cell production and help maintain electrolyte levels including calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium and phosphorus.

Understanding Kidney Infections

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of kidney infection, you need to understand that there are various types of urinary tract infections you could be suffering from, all relating to your kidneys. Your kidneys are joined by the bladder, urethra and ureters to make up your urinary tract. When any of these components are infected, it is referred to as UTI or urinary tract infection.

• Pyelonephritis – Infection of the kidneys
• Upper Urinary Tract Infection – Infection of the kidneys
• Lower Urinary Tract Infection – Infection of the urethra, bladder or prostate gland (in men)

Common Symptoms of Kidney Infection

Although everyone experiences different symptoms of kidney infection, it is likely you will have at least one or several of the common signs. These include fever, nausea, vomiting, shivering, abdominal pain, shaking or chills, pain in the low and mid back regions, painful urination and general malaise. Some people also experience tenderness in the flanks.

Elderly patients or those who have weakened immune systems will often suffer from more severe symptoms of kidney infection including dehydration, confusion, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate.

Risk Factors

As mentioned, anyone can suffer from symptoms of kidney infection however, there are factors that can put you more at risk, such as:

•  Pregnancy – It is reported that up to eight percent of all women experience a urinary tract infection during their pregnancy. This is due to the increased pressure that is applied by the uterus.
•  Sexual Intercourse – Often called honeymoon cystitis, women often experience an infection when they have increased amounts of sexual intercourse because there is new bacteria introduced into the urinary system.
•  Kidney Stones – When urine is impaired or blocked, it can result in bacteria ascending to the kidneys. Any obstruction to urine flow can cause an infection and quickly spread to other area of the urinary tract
•  Catheters – Severe illness, paralysis, incontinence of urine, bladder dysfunction and other bed bound states may require an individual to wear a catheter. These provide a way for bacteria to travel into the bladder as well as the entire urinary tract system.
•  Children – Caucasian females have the highest risk of an infection, followed by uncircumcised males and those with urinary tract abnormalities.

If you feel as though you may be experiencing symptoms of kidney infection, speak with your medical care provider right away. Your kidneys play a huge role in keeping you healthy!