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HomeTopicsKidney PainKidney Infections
Causes & Symptoms of Kidney InfectionsA kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is often the result of a bacterial urinary tract infection. Pyelonephritis is less common than urinary tract infection (UTI). Women are more likely to develop both UTIs and pyelonephritis than men. Types & Causes of Kidney InfectionsPyelonephritis may be acute or chronic. Acute forms develop quickly, and usually respond rapidly to antibiotic treatment. Chronic kidney infections are long lasting, and slowly affect kidney function. Pyelonephritis occurs when bacteria travel up the urinary tract to infect the kidneys. It occurs most often when the body's ability to fight infection is compromised, such as during pregnancy.
Vesicoureteral reflux, also known as reflux nephropathy, occurs when urine is forced back up the ureters and towards the kidneys. The condition is most common in children and is due to the misalignment of the ureters, which causes the valves between the bladder and the ureters to remain open when the bladder is emptying. It can cause kidney damage, both from bacterial infection and from the dilation due to pressure caused by the reflux. Fortunately, the condition is usually outgrown by the time children reach school age. Symptoms of Kidney InfectionsAcute symptoms of kidney infections develop quickly. Pain is felt down the side of the body and the back. Urination may be painful, and blood may be present in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. Chills and fevers are common symptoms, and some people experience nausea and vomiting. A physical examination that involves tapping, or palpation, of the affected side tends to increase the pain. A urinalysis will confirm the presence of bacterial in the system. Chronic infections eventually cause kidney scarring, a condition that, without treatment, may lead to kidney failure. Pain ManagementAcute pyelonephritis pain often resolves during treatment, as antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the symptoms. Pain relief using over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen is sufficient for most cases. Severe pain may require prescription painkillers. Resources U.S. National Library of Medicine. (updated 2002). Kidney infection (pyelonephritis).MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2004). Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) in adults [NIH Publication No. 04-4628]. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2003). Vesicoureteral reflux [NIH Publication No. 03-4555].
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