Kidney infection or nephritis can be quite uncomfortable and painful if not treated in time. Usually cause by a set of bacteria that enter our body, the urinary tract gets inflamed and causes an unpleasant sensation in the lower back, along with difficulty to urinate. A light diet and plenty of water help keep the kidneys hydrated and ease the pain and pressure, making you feel better instantly.
Causes and Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
Kidney infection, also known as nephritis is usually caused by a bacteria from the staphylococcus and streptococcus family. These bacteria enter the body quite quickly from our environment, often through the urinary tract. In women, kidney inflammation can be found more often due to the different anatomy of the body and because of the vicinity of the urethra to the anal opening, which allows for an easier transfer of bacteria to the urinary tract, including the kidneys.
As the symptoms of a kidney infection can be easily mistaken for other conditions such as flu, or Escherichia coli infection, it is important to seek medical assistance as a specialist can run a series of tests to determine the correct diagnosis. The most common symptoms of kidney infection include dark urine which is reddish in color, back pain occurring in the kidney area, a burning sensation while urinating, swelling of the face, a slight fever, potential fatigue and general exhaustion along with a loss of appetite and headaches.
There is also a possibility that a kidney infection is caused by other medical conditions and therefore becomes a consequence, rather that a unique condition. This can occur as a result of taking certain medications, or a consequence of the flu or pneumonia that wasn’t properly treated. In case the infection is not properly diagnosed and treated, it has a potential to turn into a chronic condition which manifests itself in an even wider array of symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting together with skin rashes and visual disturbance.
Treatment of a Kidney Infection
The primary goal of the treatment is to eliminate the cause of the infections by using antibiotics your doctor prescribes. To minimize the potential negative effect of a person’s immune system, immunosuppressants or corticosteroids can be used as treatment. If the symptoms are more advanced, the patient may require dialysis. The main objective is to minimize potential damage to the kidney and/or repair existing one. Once healed, a kidney infection may return after a certain amount of time. Complications are rare, though, and the infection is generally cleared after a full course of antibiotics.
Nutrition is crucial while dealing with a kidney infection. There is a whole array of herbal teas that have proven very effective in fighting off an infection as they keep the body hydrated and motivate the kidneys to function better. Cranberry juice has a similar effect and is also recommended. Food containing high amounts of sodium, potassium, amino acids or proteins should be avoided as these ingredients may cause extra pressure on the kidneys and potentially aggravate the inflammation.