{"id":2093,"date":"2018-12-28T08:29:10","date_gmt":"2018-12-28T08:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=2093"},"modified":"2021-07-20T14:47:49","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T14:47:49","slug":"10-kidney-infection-symptoms-that-require-attention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/10-kidney-infection-symptoms-that-require-attention\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Kidney Infection Symptoms That Require Attention"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"If bacteria are able to enter into one or both kidneys it can result in an infection. The bacteria that is involved is most often of the E. coli type which normally lives in the bowel. A kidney infection can occur for a number of reasons, which usually involve the bacteria entering through the urethra and then traveling up toward the bladder through the urinary tract, and then reaching the kidneys. It can also occur due to bacteria or fungi on the skin which then enters the bloodstream, but this is much rarer and generally only happens to people with a compromised immune system.<\/p>\n

Kidney infections affect women much more than men, so it is, therefore, more important for women to be on the lookout for the symptoms that we will be discussing here in this list. However, it can affect people of any gender and age so everyone needs to be aware of the signs.<\/p>\n

1. Unusual Urination<\/h3>\n

Changes to urination are among the most common symptoms that a kidney infection has taken hold, as it is a urinary tract infection (UTI) and also because it often begins as an infection of the bladder. These changes in urination can take many forms, with some easier to notice than others.<\/p>\n

One of the easiest changes to spot is having blood or pus in the urine \u2013 in the case of blood, it will make the urine look dark regardless of you being properly hydrated. This should be treated very seriously and you will need to see a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

Other symptoms include foul-smelling or cloudy urine or a burning feeling experienced during urination. Feeling a frequent need to urinate, or feeling as if you can never completely empty your bladder, can be other symptoms that a kidney infection is developing. If you are experiencing any of these lesser symptoms for an extended time you will also need to see a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. High Body Temperature (Fever)<\/h3>\n

When the body temperature<\/a> rises above the usual level of 98.6 F it can be called a fever, but it is not called significant fever unless the body temperature goes over 100.4 F. Even at this point it is not always a cause for alarm, as the body temperature will sometimes rise naturally to combat infections.<\/p>\n

However, if the body temperature reaches 100.4 F in babies, or reaches 103.1 F in adults, it needs to be checked out by a medical professional as it could be a sign of a serious illness such as an infection of one or both kidneys.<\/p>\n

In the case of an adult who is experiencing a mid-range fever between the two temperatures mentioned above, it is recommended to try other remedies first to reduce the body temperature. If these usual methods do not help and the high body temperature remains or even increases, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Weakness or Fatigue<\/h3>\n

These two symptoms are fairly general and so they could be a sign of a kidney infection but they could also be the symptoms of a whole list of other medical issues, including both mental and physical. These issues can also come about simply as a result of physical or mental stress, such as an intense workout session or studying for many hours at a time.<\/p>\n

However, if the weakness<\/a> or fatigue does not go away after a period of a day or two in which physical and mental stress has been lowered then it may be a sign of kidney infection or another medical issue.<\/p>\n

Other signs which may indicate that the weakness or fatigue is not just a part of regular life include joint pain with no apparent swelling, tenderness of lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, less satisfying sleep, and lack of concentration. If the fatigue or weakness occurs for weeks or even months then there is usually an underlying medical issue.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Lack of Appetite<\/h3>\n

While the kidney infection continues to develop and also becomes more inflamed over time, all of the associated symptoms will most likely get worse, which include not feeling as hungry as usual or a complete lack of appetite<\/a> altogether. This increases the potential for harm from the kidney infection because you not only have that underlying issue to deal with, but you also tend to eat much less which can lead to more fatigue and nutritional problems.<\/p>\n

These added health concerns on top of the initial infection can make it much more difficult for the body to fight back and maintain its regular functions, so it is very important not to fall into a vicious cycle such as this. If you experience a lack of appetite for more than just a day or two, and particularly if it is experienced alongside some of the other symptoms mentioned here, then you will need to see a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Pain in the Side<\/h3>\n

Your kidneys<\/a> are situated in the upper part of the abdominal region near the back muscles, on each side of your body. So, if you are experiencing pain in these general areas on either side of your body then it may be associated with the kidneys, and in that case, it could be a sign that you are developing a kidney infection.<\/p>\n

However, as with many of the other symptoms in this list, it can be easy to dismiss as a symptom of something else. In this case, you could easily dismiss it as regular back pain that occurs from time to time due to other stresses or injuries.<\/p>\n

With kidney pain in particular though, it will usually feel as if it is deeper within the body, and may also occur at a higher point in the back such as the lower part of the ribs. If the pain is lower, it could still be an infection \u2013 see below.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Pain in the Lower Back<\/h3>\n

As mentioned in the previous section which covered pain in one or both sides of the body, which could be a sign of kidney infection that generally causes pain higher up in the back. However, experiencing pain in the lower back can also be a sign that a kidney infection is developing, as well as the possibility that it is simply from a back injury<\/a> or muscle pain.<\/p>\n

Another similar factor of pain in the lower back and pain in the side is that it can be easily overlooked by many people who are used to experiencing this kind of discomfort, but it is nonetheless important to keep an eye on it.<\/p>\n

One of the best ways to distinguish between muscular pain and the pain caused by a kidney infection is that the latter will continue no matter what you are doing or what position your body is in. Whether you are sitting, standing, lying down, or whether you are performing strenuous work, the pain from kidney infection will persist.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Pain Around Genitals<\/h3>\n

One of the most awkward and unnerving symptoms of a kidney infection is a feeling of dull pain in the genital area. The reason for this pain appearing seemingly out of nowhere could be due to a urinary tract infection<\/a> (UTI) which has been left untreated, which can then spread elsewhere and become a kidney infection. This is why it is never a good idea to ignore any kind of health issue.<\/p>\n

It can be very embarrassing for a lot of people to go to their doctor to talk about the pain in the area around the genitals, but that is simply not an excuse to avoid getting checked out and receiving treatment. For the most part, it really will be as simple as taking antibiotics for a little while, and then you’ll be back to your usual self again. The embarrassment you may feel is just momentary, while the benefits of being healthy again will last much longer.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Shivering and Chills<\/h3>\n

The symptoms related to the development of a kidney infection can also take some forms which are common to those experienced with the flu<\/a>. This includes having chills \u2013 a very uncomfortable feeling of cold that seems to have no external cause. The feeling itself is caused by your muscles expanding and contracting over and over again, as well as constriction of the vessels around your skin. Your muscles contract in this way as an attempt to warm you up.<\/p>\n

These chills can lead to you feeling shaky, or even shivering as if you have been out in the cold without the appropriate clothing, but in the case of a kidney infection, it is not related to the temperature either inside or outside. Chills can be experienced with or without fever, so simply taking your body temperature will not be a diagnosis \u2013 you should get checked by a doctor if the feeling does not go away.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Feeling Sick and \/ or Vomiting<\/h3>\n

If you are feeling sick all of a sudden \u2013 referred to medically as nausea \u2013 this may be a symptom that a kidney infection is developing. An infection<\/a> in one or both kidneys will usually develop relatively fast compared to infections in other areas of the body, within days and sometimes even hours, and this will most likely result in a general feeling of sickness.<\/p>\n

This nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting or fever, along with other symptoms described in this list. Because this symptom is so general, due to the almost endless list of other things that could make a person feel sick, it is not all that useful on its own in the diagnosis of a kidney infection. However, if it does not clear up in the usual time frame you should see a doctor to begin treatment with antibiotics which will most likely eliminate the infection fairly quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n

Another very unpleasant symptom that is quite often associated with a kidney infection caused by bacteria is having diarrhea<\/a>. Many people who are suffering from a kidney infection may also experience a feeling of fullness in or about the rectum. These symptoms may occur with or without accompanying nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. Even if no other symptoms are present, it should be a cause for concern if it does not clear up within a short time.<\/p>\n

Loose and watery stools, commonly referred to as diarrhea, are usually caused by some type of bacteria. Having diarrhea may be the sign of something fairly serious such as a kidney infection, but it could also be associated with many other less serious issues which will quickly pass \u2013 if it does not go away within a few days then you will need to get it checked out. Diarrhea which lasts for weeks at a time can be a sign of an intestinal disorder or other serious condition.<\/p>\n\r\n

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