Understanding Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) :: Signs and Symptoms
Kidneys are the major components of the urinary tract system. Urinary tract components beside kidneys include ureter, bladder, urethra, and additional prostate for men.
The kidneys are located on both sides of our middle back and below the diaphragm. The main functions of the kidneys include filtering out waste products from the body, regulating blood pressure, maintaining normal concentrations of electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) in the body, and contributing to the production of blood cells.
Urine is passed down from each kidney into the ureter, where the ureter is a thin channel, like a tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Urine then flows from the bladder through a structure like another tube, called the urethra, and out of the body.
Kidney infections is a family of urinary tract infection system called urinary tract infection (UTI). In general, urethral, bladder, and prostate infections are known as lower urinary tract infections.
If the infection goes upward to involve kidneys, then there will be upper urinary tract infection. Kidney infections are also known as pyelonephritis.
Urinary tract infections are very common and can affect 40% of women and 10% of men in their lifetime. They are most common in women under 50, but rarely for men ftom the same age group.
Urinary tract infections are also common in children, and may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not easily recognized. In children, urinary tract infections can be seen more frequently in boys younger than 1 year and girls younger than 4 years.
In addition to comprehensive history and physical examination, any signs doctors may seek in evaluating urinary tract infections may include:
In women, pelvic examination may be necessary to rule out other similar conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
In chronic kidney infection (which lasts longer) the symptoms may be milder, but last longer.
The kidneys are located on both sides of our middle back and below the diaphragm. The main functions of the kidneys include filtering out waste products from the body, regulating blood pressure, maintaining normal concentrations of electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) in the body, and contributing to the production of blood cells.
Urine is passed down from each kidney into the ureter, where the ureter is a thin channel, like a tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Urine then flows from the bladder through a structure like another tube, called the urethra, and out of the body.
Kidney infections is a family of urinary tract infection system called urinary tract infection (UTI). In general, urethral, bladder, and prostate infections are known as lower urinary tract infections.
If the infection goes upward to involve kidneys, then there will be upper urinary tract infection. Kidney infections are also known as pyelonephritis.
Urinary tract infections are very common and can affect 40% of women and 10% of men in their lifetime. They are most common in women under 50, but rarely for men ftom the same age group.
Urinary tract infections are also common in children, and may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not easily recognized. In children, urinary tract infections can be seen more frequently in boys younger than 1 year and girls younger than 4 years.
Signs and symptoms of Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis).
Some of the common symptoms of kidney infection are:- fever
- chills
- nausea
- gag
- common weakness
- fatigue
- burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- dull pain in the left / right back or lower back pain (blunt kidney pain)
In addition to comprehensive history and physical examination, any signs doctors may seek in evaluating urinary tract infections may include:
- taping pain below the lowest rib (pain in the costo-vertebral angle)
- fever
- physical evidence of dehydration, and
- rapid heartbeat
In women, pelvic examination may be necessary to rule out other similar conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
In chronic kidney infection (which lasts longer) the symptoms may be milder, but last longer.
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