For some people, lower UTIs can go away on their own, but kidney infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.
Things you can try yourself
It's also important for most people with a kidney infection to drink plenty of fluids (water is best) because this will help to flush out the bacteria from your kidneys. Aim to drink enough so that you're frequently passing pale-coloured urine.
If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as: Kidney scarring. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure. Blood poisoning.
When should you go to the ER for a kidney infection? You should go to the emergency room for a kidney infection if you have a high fever (over 101°F), severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or inability to stay hydrated. Basically, any suspicion of a kidney infection is a reason to go to the doctor.
UTIs Vs.
Kidney infections are actually a type of UTI. They typically occur when a lower UTI is left untreated, allowing the bacteria to spread upward and infect the kidneys. Kidney infections are the most serious type of UTI and can cause serious complications without fast and proper treatment.
Vitamin C
Vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C helps dissolve kidney stones easily. Foods rich in vitamin C promote better kidney health such as, citrus fruits like orange, cucumbers, broccoli are effective in keeping the kidney healthy.
A kidney infection can usually be cured with antibiotics, but severe or complicated cases may require hospitalization.
Good foods that help repair your kidneys include apples, blueberries, fish, kale, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Beets and their juices contain Betaine which increases urine acidity, prevents build-up of struvite and calcium phosphate and reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Other effective cleansing agents are coconut water, cucumber juice and cherries.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
What causes a kidney infection? Kidney infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. Scientists believe that most kidney infections start as a bladder infection that moves upstream to infect one or both of your kidneys. Most often, the infection is caused by bacteria that normally live in your bowel.
Kidney pain vs back pain
Spine-related issues can also cause back pain to sometimes radiate down your legs. In comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine.
For some people, lower UTIs can go away on their own, but kidney infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.
If your kidney infection is severe, you may need to go to the hospital. Treatment might include antibiotics and fluids through a vein in your arm. How long you'll stay in the hospital depends on how severe your infection is.
Some people develop a chronic infection of the kidney that is very stubborn and hard to get rid of. A continuing problem with a kidney infection is called chronic pyelonephritis. Having a severe kidney infection or repeated kidney infections can damage the kidneys. They can lead to chronic kidney disease.