Kidney infections can be quite dangerous, but they rarely go unnoticed and untreated. Kidney infections, when not treated quickly and correctly, can cause serious health complications, such as sepsis, kidney scarring, and can even cause future pregnancy issues for expecting mothers.
All this can be avoided with the right treatment! Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail highlights how to properly treat kidney infections.
What Are the Common Causes of Kidney Infections?
A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria—often a type called E. coli—get into the urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the body) and travel up through the bladder and into the kidneys.
In rare cases, a kidney infection can develop if bacteria or fungi infect the skin, and that infection spreads through the bloodstream and into the kidneys. However, this type of infection usually only occurs in people with weakened immune systems. We’ve listed a few other risk factors to be on the lookout for below.
Common Kidney Infection Risk Factors
- Being female. Women are more at risk than men for kidney infections because the urethra is shorter than it is in men. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the urinary tract.
- Pregnancy. The urinary tract shifts in pregnancy and may make it easier for bacteria to get to the kidneys.
- Problems emptying your bladder completely, which is called urinary retention.
How Are Kidney Infections Treated?
Kidney infections are commonly treated with antibiotics; however, if the infection is serious, surgery might be required.
The way to avoid more intense medical treatment is by visiting your doctor or our AFC promptly when you experience symptoms. When you promptly seek medical care for your kidney infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics, which should get you feeling good as new in about two weeks.
Common Kidney Infection Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Back or side pain
- Groin pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Urine that’s cloudy, smells bad or contains blood
Our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team is here for you now and always, so don’t wait to get the medical care you need! Schedule an appointment or walk in today.
