|
Do you have kidney infection symptoms or urinary tract (track) infection symptoms? Identifying the often painful and dangerous symptoms, and understanding how your body works will give you the power to be in control of your health.
The Kidneys
The human body has two kidneys which work as part of the urinary tract (track) system. The urinary tract system is a set of organs, including the kidneys and the bladder, that remove waste (urine) from the body.
The kidneys not only produce urine, but also clean the blood and make sure that the tissues in your body receive enough water. Your kidneys also help regulate your blood pressure. Although most people have two kidneys, it is possible to lead a healthy life with only one kidney.
Bacteria and Kidney Infections
With so much work to do to keep the body healthy, it can be very dangerous if your kidneys become infected.
When the urinary tract gets bacteria in it, infections are usually found in the bladder or urethra. If left untreated however, the bacteria and infection can travel farther up into the body and invade the kidneys.
Infections in the kidneys can be acute or chronic. Acute infections start quickly, have very strong symptoms and then end quickly. Chronic infections are slower, become worse and tend to last longer. Chronic infections are dangerous because they can lead to kidney failure.
Kidney Infection Symptoms
Because kidney infections can lead to infection in other parts of the body and/or kidney failure, it is very important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms of a kidney infection:
- High fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Inability to urinate
- Constant need to urinate
- Lower back pain
- Upset stomach
- Blood in the urine
- Pain/burning when urinating
Kidney Infection Treatment
A doctor can diagnose a kidney infection by having your urine examined in a laboratory. If the infection is severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary. Chronic kidney infections could mean there is another health problem that needs to be identified.
|
