What is it?
When the urinary tract (urethra) gets infected by bacteria (Bladder infection) usually from:
Our immune system can usually stop the bacteria but at times the bacteria travels upwards along the ureters towards kidneys, here it can multiply into a full-blown infection and one has more severe symptoms.
Females have a much higher risk of kidney infections compared to males because:
Female have a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to reach and infect the bladder far more easily.
Opening to the urethra in females is significantly closer to the rectum, where Urinary tract infection -causing bacteria are known to settle and grow.
Males have prostate fluids and semen which is believe to help against infections.
Patients who are have increased complications of this infection are:
Regular urine infections can lead to the following risk factors:
Outflow obstruction to benign prostate hyperplasia (prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous)
Urethral strictures (scarring that narrows the tube that carries urine out of the body, called the urethra leading to les urine output)
Lack of nerve control on the bladder (leading to poor urine outflow and urinary retention)
Oestrogen depletion
Urine and/or faecal incontinence (going to the toilet more often than usual)
Urine catheterization (need of a catheter)
Cause
Bacteria:
E.Coli (living in colon),Staphylococcus saprophyticus (naturally found in the vagina)
Any condition where one does not fully empty their bladder and/or hold urine in and/or blockage of urine flow.
Bacteria from anus to genital region via wiping and sexual activity
Uncircumcised men may harbour harmful bacteria under the foreskin.
Sexual intercourse
Using external perfumed/soaps/washes (bacteria a chance to invade)
Spermicidal lubricants can trigger genital inflammation
Diaphragms can promote the growth of coliform bacteria like E. coli.
Cystitis Thrush Skin infection (rare)Pregnancy Alzheimer’s and Dementia (affect personal hygiene and changes in acidity can affect the condition)Diabetes (increase urine glucose that bacteria feed on)Any condition that prevent bladder from emptying fully
Bowel conditions and diseases Bowel incontinence
Enlarged prostate gland Kidney stones Posterior urethral valves (common cause of urinary tract obstruction in new born males)Menopause (alter the protective flora in the vagina)Weak immune system condition
Treatments
Catheters and/or surgical equipment (infection due to non-sterile or prolonged use)
Medication
Source: Diseases Pictures
Source: parkcrescenthealth.blog
Previous
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Symptoms
Increased urge to urinate (urinary urgency)?
Need to get up at night to urinate (nocturia)?
Inability to hold your urine (urinary incontinence)?
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine?
Blood in urine?
Pain when urinating?
Burning sensation during urinating?
Cloudy and smelly urine?
Feel to urinate more than they want to?
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
Pain in the back or side (or moving pain from back to side) or in groin area?
Flank pain (pain that’s usually deep and high in the back or sides)?
Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
If sexually active: Painful sexual intercourse (especially in non-menopausal females)?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips: Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Sepsis Liver disease (particularly children)Meningitis (particularly babies)Encephalitis- type symptoms (particularly in dementia/Alzheimer and/or elderly patients)Increased heart rate/palpitations
Hypothermia Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
High temperature greater than 40°C (104°F) or over and/or severe chills and/or sweating heavily
Extreme anxiety and aggression
Kidney abscess (particularly if you are diabetic ):
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats
Severe Abdominal pain and/or back pain
Constant violently vomiting and/or or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)
Loss of appetite
Pain when passing urine
Gas mixed with urine (bubbles in urine) as well as the above kidney symptoms (Emphysematous cystitis) – common in diabetics.
Kidney failure – (Xanthogranulmatous pylonephritis)
This condition can lead to:
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Kidney Infection in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments ).
NHS
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Medscape
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National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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