Kidney Infection Overview
The kidneys are a component of the urinary system which also includes the ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate (in men). The kidneys are located on either side of the middle back and under the diaphragm. The main functions of the kidneys include filtering the waste products from the body, regulating blood pressure, maintaining the normal concentration of electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) in the body, and contributing to production of blood cells.
The urine is drained downward from each kidney into the ureters on either side of the body. These are thin, tube-like structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder where they ultimately drain the urine. The urine, then, drains from the bladder via another tube-like structure, called the urethra, and exits the body.
Kidney infection belongs to the family of infections of the urinary system called urinary tract infections (UTIs). In general, the infection of the urethra, bladder, and prostate are known as lower urinary tract infection.
When the infection ascends up to involve the kidneys, then it is call upper urinary tract infection. Infection of the kidney is also know as pyelonephritis.
Urinary tract infections are very common and may affect 40% of women and 10% of men in their lifetime. They are most common in women younger than 50 years of age, whereas, they are rare in men of the same age group. Urinary tract infection is also common in children, and it may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are not easily recognizable. In children, urinary tract infection may be seen more frequently in boys less than 1 year of age and girls less than 4 years of age.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
• Fever
• Back, side (flank) or groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria)
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Also make an appointment if you’re being treated for a urinary tract infection, but your signs and symptoms aren’t improving.
Severe kidney infection can lead to life-threatening complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience typical kidney infection symptoms combined with bloody urine or nausea and vomiting.
Taken from:
emedicinehealth.com
mayoclinic.com
Other links:
The Importance of kidneys
Chronic Kidney Disease Causes
Kidney stone
Diagnosis of a kidney stone
Diabetes and Infection
