Some people are more prone to kidney infections than others. In fact, for people with diabetes and people having a history of urinary tract infections, kidney infections are very common. Kidney infection is one of the common diseases seen in the nephrology department. However, left untreated, it can quickly develop into serious complications which can lead to kidney failure or blood poisoning. Kidney infections occur when a pathogenic infection spreads up in the urinary tract from the urethra or the bladder and gets into the kidneys. Several early signs and symptoms of kidney failures can be easily spotted if you are health conscious and are pretty fact to see anything abnormal in your body.
Symptoms of Kidney Infection in Adults and Young Adults
The most common signs of kidney infections are pain and a burning sensation in the lower back, a strong urge to urinate or unsuccessful attempts at urination, cloudy and odorous urine, abdominal pain, traces of blood or pus in the urine, pain in the groin, back pain and high fever.
Symptoms of Kidney Infection in a Child
Other than the aforementioned symptoms, young children with kidney infection may also experience a loss of appetite, loose bowel motions, a rise in irritability, and a rise in the frequency of bed-wetting (enuresis). It is possible that the child may try to hide some symptoms because of their perceived embarrassing nature. Therefore, communicating with the child is very necessary if he/she starts visiting the bathroom very frequently. Children may also develop a fever and experience abdominal pain. Note, that concerned parents may give the child over the counter medication, such as Tylenol or Paracetamol, however, these will only suppress the discomfort and the milder symptoms.
Symptoms of Kidney Infection in Pregnant Women
Kidney infections are common in pregnant women. Infections during pregnancies can quickly develop into serious complications for both, the mother and the baby. Kidney infection can lead to kidney failure and death, in some serious cases. A constant urge to urinate, bloody urine, pain while urinating, lower back pain, fever, chills, and vomiting are the early signs of kidney infection in pregnant women. Note that it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience back pains. These are the result of ligaments stretches as the body expands to accommodate the fetus. However, such pains are throbbing and constant in the case of kidney infections. Although back pain can be severe occasionally, it should be distinguished from the stabbing and intermittent pain sensations from kidney infections.
Symptoms of Severe Kidney Infection
Kidney infections, if left untreated, can be a serious health threat. Those with the signs of a severe infection should consult a health professional or go to the emergency room immediately. Along with the symptoms discussed above, when the infection’s severity increases there will be more frequent need for urination, foul and odorous urine, and extreme pain during urination along with persistent lower back pain. Fever that does not drop for days and remains at 102 °F or above can be a sign of an infection. Night sweats and chills also indicate kidney infection. Along with these symptoms, if you also experience vomiting, your infection might be alarming.
Kidney infection, at any stage, requires medical attention. It can be easily treated when attended to at an early enough stage. It is better to be safe than sorry, and anyone experiencing the above symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
Hmm, their is always risk involve in life, diseases are part of it. Kidney infection is what we shouldn’t pray for at all, cos it makes life unbearable indeed.