{"id":19251,"date":"2019-10-10T05:30:59","date_gmt":"2019-10-10T05:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=19251"},"modified":"2021-10-13T05:32:36","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T05:32:36","slug":"14-causes-of-kidney-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-causes-of-kidney-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Kidney Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When bacteria enter one or both of the kidneys it can cause a kidney infection. Bacteria will typically enter the kidneys from the bladder or urinary tract. The most common type of bacteria that causes kidney infections is E.coli. This bacteria typically reside in the bowel and is quite harmless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when wiping your bottom after a bowel movement, these bacteria can enter the urethra. This bacteria can also be transferred during sex. When this occurs, you may end up with an infection in the kidneys. E. coli is just one of the many types of bacteria that can cause a person to develop a kidney infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms of a kidney infection include loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, chills, pain in the lower back, and blood in the urine. The urinary system is very susceptible to bacteria and germs, which can lead to infections. Here are some of the common causes of kidney infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Urinary Tract Infection <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys are the organs that make up the urinary system. These organs are responsible for filtering out waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream<\/a>. These waste products and fluids make up the urine. Urine is filtered by the kidneys and then collects in the bladder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the bladder is full the urethra excretes urine. When bacteria or germs enter the urinary system, a person may develop a urinary tract infection. As the bacteria grows, it can cause swelling, redness, and a burning sensation during urination. In addition, a urinary tract infection may cause a person to experience acute pain throughout the abdominal region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the urinary tract infection is left untreated it can travel into the kidneys and cause a person to develop a kidney infection. If you notice a burning sensation when you pee, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid causing damage to the urinary system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Kidney Stones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney stones <\/a>are clusters of substances in the body. A kidney stone may be formed from magnesium, oxalate, ammonia, uric acid, or calcium build-ups that occur in the body. When the stones cannot be diluted by the fluid from your urine, the stones can become larger with time. Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of salt or become much larger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These stones may form in any area of the urinary tract and when they do not break up they can cause a kidney infection. The materials can block the ureters. When a kidney stone is dormant it will not cause any pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as the stones pass from the kidney into the bladder, it can be quite painful. If you have pain in the abdominal region and are struggling to urinate, you may have an infection of the kidneys that are caused by kidney stones. Seeing a doctor is recommended in order to determine the underlying cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Enlarged Prostate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In men, the prostate surrounds the neck of the bladder which links to the reproductive system. If the prostate is infected, it can become enlarged. The pressure of the enlarged prostate <\/a>interferes with the flow of urine as it chokes the part of the urethra where the urine flows out of the body. A prostatitis infection is the inflammation of the prostate gland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An enlarged prostate gland is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and both these conditions can lead to kidney infections and damage. As you’ll have difficulty urinating when the prostate is infected, you may need either a catheter, medication or surgery to help return the system to function normally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s worth noting that men over the age of 50 may develop prostatic hyperplasia without developing kidney infections. A doctor may recommend surgery depending on whether or not the condition has a significant impact on your health and lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Urinary Retention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Urinary retention occurs when a person is able to urinate but does not empty the bladder completely. Symptoms of urinary retention may be nonobstructive or obstructive. Urinary retention can cause many other health issues including prostate disease, cancer, pelvic trauma, stroke<\/a>, nerve disease, kidney stones, and structural defects of the urinary system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms of urinary retention include lower back discomfort or pain, pressure throughout the lower abdomen, and an urgent feeling of needing to urinate, but not being able to. A person suffering from this will often experience being unable to determine if their bladder is full and interrupted streams of urine during urination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A burning sensation during urination is common as well. Urinary retention is caused by an infection that may be in the kidneys are somewhere else in the urinary tract. It is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor right away so that proper treatment can be started as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Swollen Tubes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the spaces between the renal tubules that form urine swell and become inflamed, it can lead to a bladder infection. Diagnosed as interstitial nephritis which is either an acute or chronic infection. An allergic reaction to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers causes nearly all of the cases of swollen tubes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms mirror those of a kidney infection which include fever and chills<\/a>, bloating, high blood pressure, water retention, internal swelling. The swelling of the interstitium can make it difficult to urinate. There may be blood in the urine or significantly less urine than usual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have recently taken antibiotics or other over the counter medications and begin to have these symptoms, it is important to go to your doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, proper treatment for the symptoms can be started to help alleviate the pain you are experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Urinary Catheter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Urinary catheters <\/a>are for patients who are unable to empty their bladders themselves: the catheter drains the bladder. Long-term indwelling catheters are a permanent device that helps people with chronic illness or structural deficiencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This kind of catheter may require changing and leaves the patient more susceptible to transferring bacteria to their kidneys and causes infection. If you have a catheter it is important to make sure that you clean the area regularly. If you fail to keep the catheter clean it can cause many different medical issues including a kidney infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of a kidney infection may worsen as the bacteria travels throughout the urinary tract and the rest of the body. It is important to seek medical attention right away to get rid of the bacteria that is causing the infection as it can cause many other unwanted health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For people living with diabetes<\/a>, the injury is to the small blood vessels in their bodies. If the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, the organs won’t function properly, and they cannot clean the blood in the way they should. This build-up may result in a surplus of waste materials in the body, like proteins in the urine, or excessive water and salt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the high sugar levels in people with diabetes, this environment allows bacteria to grow faster. Bacteria feed off the sugars in the body and quickly expands. All of these factors can lead to kidney infection and disease. Many people with diabetes will eventually suffer from some form of kidney disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control in order to lower the risks of developing other diseases and health issues including kidney infections, high blood pressure, heart disease, and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The typical way that urine flows through the body is by starting in the kidneys <\/a>and then traveling from the ureters to the bladder. Vesicoureteral Reflux occurs when the urine travels backwards. This means that the urine will travel back into the kidneys from the bladder. This can occur in one of two ways. Primary VUR occurs when there is a defect located in the valve that is located in the urine tube. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is often there at birth. Secondary Vesicoureteral Reflux occurs when the urine tube becomes blocked by an obstruction. There are several things that can cause an obstruction including a stone, tumor, pinch, or injury. This blockage can cause the urine to flow backward. Fever, urinary tract infections, flu-like aches, are all symptoms of VUR. Visiting a doctor right away is recommended as VUR can become quite dangerous very quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Urethral Stricture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A urethral stricture is when there’s damage, such as a scar or swelling <\/a>from an injury within the urethra tube. The trauma makes it difficult to urinate comfortably. The urethra is a fragile tube in both men and women. The urethra links to the bladder where it collects the waste products. It’s the job of the urethra to transport the urine outside of the body. The urethra is longer in men than in women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the extended length of a man’s urethra, they’re more likely to experience posterior stricture in the first 1-2 inches of the tube, or an anterior strictures which happens in the last 9-10 inches of the urethra. This means there is damage to the tube of the urethra. Trauma can cause strictures in the urethra, along with sexually transmitted disease, persistent swelling, or damage from surgery. Seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing these symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Nerve Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our nervous system is a complicated and delicate conglomeration of connections. Nerves carry messages throughout the entire body. In regards to a bladder infection, nerves send messages that the bladder is full from the bladder to the brain. These signals indicate to the individual when it’s time to use the restroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also works the other way around. The brain tells the bladder to control the muscles around the bladder <\/a>and ureters to manage the release and flow of urine. A nerve problem in the brain or urinary tract may cause infection due to mixed or dismissed signals. This leads to holding urine in too long, not emptying the bladder completely, or incontinence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This condition is also called a neurogenic bladder. This condition can become quite serious if it is not taken care of right away. Seeking medical attention to determine the cause of these symptoms is recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is recommended by most medical experts that you drink a minimum of 8 cups of water each day. Staying hydrated is important when it comes to your overall health. However, the recommended amount of water that you should drink will vary based on your height, weight, and activity level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you are getting your water in throughout the day. When your body shows symptoms that you need water, you are already beginning to become dehydrated. Some of the symptoms of dehydration <\/a>include dry lips, dry skin, and skin irritation. In addition, becoming dehydrated can cause a kidney infection to develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because when you are not giving your body enough water your organs will not be able to properly do their jobs. A severe kidney infection can occur within just a few hours of being severely dehydrated. Drinking water also helps to flush toxins from the body, which reduces the risks  of infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Acidic Gut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are eating a lot of foods that have high acid content it can cause your gut to become overly acidic. Some common foods that are high in acid include lemons, chili, curry, and pepper. In addition, an overly acidic gut can be caused by foods that have a high hormone <\/a>content such as processed chicken, pork, and red meat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating a healthy and natural diet is important for your overall health. A fatty or acidic diet does not necessarily mean that you eat high-fat foods as there are some types of fat that are actually healthy and should be consumed, such as fish oils and olive oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A diet that is high in unhealthy fats such as oil and grease can cause a person to not only gain weight and increase the risk of heart disease, it can also increase the risk of developing a kidney infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation can actually be good for you. It can help with the health of your heart and many medical experts agree that a glass of wine a day or a few glasses each week can help your circulation and keep your heart in shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as with everything, consuming too much alcohol can be very harmful to your body. If you drink too much alcohol <\/a>in a short amount of time it can lead to a hangover. If consumption is severe it could cause alcohol poisoning. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause a kidney infection or even worse, damage the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you drink too much alcohol for too long it can also cause damage to other organs such as the liver. If you have a kidney infection it is important to not drink any alcohol until the infection is cleared. Doing so can cause severe damage to the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Caffeine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people simply cannot start their day without caffeine. Coffee consumption is enjoyed by many. Once again, in moderation, caffeine <\/a>can be good for you. It can improve circulation and also increase mental sharpness. However, consuming too much caffeine can have the opposite effect. You may start to feel sluggish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, you may also increase your risk of developing a kidney infection. If you have an increase in urination, lower back pain, and the shade of your urine becomes darker after consuming caffeine, it is likely that you are on a fast track of developing a kidney infection. Instead of starting your day with coffee, try a glass of water instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After drinking water, then have your cup of coffee to get your day started. This will help to flush the kidneys and keep you hydrated. Caffeine can be a great pick me up when it is used in moderation and not overdone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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