Explanation of Kidney and Urinary Tract Infection

Kidney infection is a specific type of unitary tract infection, UTI, that usually begins in the urethra or bladder and travels up into the kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic website (mayoclinic.com). Kidney infection can cause permanent kidney damage if it is not treated properly. Kidney infection can become a life threatening infection if it spreads into the bloodstream. Kidney infections should receive prompt medical attention.

The urinary system consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The urinary system works to remove waste from the body. The kidneys filter waste from the blood, adjust blood levels of many substances and conserve or excrete water from the system. Ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it exits the body through the urethra. Kidney infection generally begin when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and start to multiply

Kidney infections can cause many signs and symptoms, including: frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, persistent urge to urinate, pain or burning sensation with urination, abdominal pressure or pain, cloudy urine, strong odor in urine, pus or blood in urine, inability to urinate, need to urinate at night, pain in the back, side or groin and/or fever.

Severe infection of the kidneys may also include: high fever (over 101F), shaking chills, night sweats, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and confusion.

Infants may show signs of kidney infection which include: irritability, loss of appetite, loose bowels movements and bed-wetting (new episodes).

Anyone can get a kidney infection, but certain factors can increase the risk. Women have a greater risk than men do because of their anatomy. Hormonal change due to pregnancy or menopause increase woman's risk. Sexually active women tend to get more UTI's because sex can push bacteria up in the the urethra. Birth control methods, such s diaphragms and spermicides increase risk for sexually active women as well.

In men, an enlarged prostrate can increase risk of kidney disease.