Kidney Infection Symptoms
This ailment is actually a complicated form of UTI (urinary tract infection). The signs and symptoms are the following. Not all of them may appear at the same time.
Kidney Infection Signs
One of the early symptoms is a dull ache at the back. The pain intensity isn’t constant though, and some can be intense while others just a throbbing sensation. There is an occasional stomach ache without diarrhea. High grade fever occurs and the patient feels physically drained and spent.
There is also a sense of not feeling well overall. Tremors are experienced along with coldness. Some notice their skin getting moist while in others it gets very dry. The major symptom is painful urination. Blood is usually present in the urine. Urine may also appear cloudy or foamy. It is accompanied by a foul smell.
Kidney Infection Diagnosis
The doctor will usually press the affected part. This is used to determine its tenderness, which is a sign of infection. There is also a physical examination. A blood test is utilized to locate an infection. To determine the red and white blood cell levels, a urinalysis is performed.
Urine samples are also examined for bacteria. This is one of the ways an infection is verified. If kidney swelling is suspected, a CT scan or intravenous pyelogram (IVP) will be necessary to confirm this. These examinations allow a doctor to rule out other diseases. A biopsy, voiding cystourethrogram and other diagnostic processes can be undertaken too.
Kidney Infection Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to limit the infection and eradicate the symptoms. The tests will determine if the illness is acute or chronic. Acute illnesses can be treated and cured within a couple of weeks. Antibiotics are the usual medications given. If the patient cannot take the medicine orally, intravenous means is possible.
These antibiotics include sulfisoxazolem trimethoprim, cephalosporin and ciprofloxacin. Other antibiotics may be prescribed. Different types might be set for pregnant women, the elderly and children.
Chronic ailments need more time to heal and require hospitalization. They need to be constantly monitored as health complications may arise.
Elderly people and young children are susceptible to chronic ailments. When infection sets in, the blood pressure drops dramatically. Sepsis may develop and when this happens, hospitalization is needed.
Kidney Infection Prevention
Once the ailment has been noticed, see a doctor immediately. This step is the best way to prevent any complications. It also means recovery will be much faster. Other preventive measures include good hygiene.
Always wash and clean the genitals. The entire area should be thoroughly washed to keep bacteria away. Urination after intercourse may prove helpful.
Doctors also recommend at least 64 ounces of fluid be drank, 128 ounces if possible. The purpose is to increase urination frequency and get rid of any bacteria. Research has shown that cranberry juice in particular helps in keeping bacteria at bay.
A kidney infection can be prevented by keeping your body clean. Even when an infection sets in, a stronger immune system means recovery will be much quicker.
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