Photo: Laura James

Are my kidneys infected?

Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. In addition to feeling unwell like this, you may also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis.

nhs.uk - Kidney infection - NHS

Is zinc OK for kidneys?

Zinc is considered an essential trace element for humans, and zinc deficiency has been linked to adverse outcomes in kidney disease....

Last updated Mar 1, 2019

What is the rarest hair and eye combination?

There's a little genetic tweak that makes the combination of red hair and blue eyes the rarest of them all. The same Nature study mentioned above...

Last updated Apr 15, 2022

Promotion

A kidney infection is a painful and unpleasant illness usually caused by cystitis, a common infection of the bladder. Most people with cystitis will not get a kidney infection, but occasionally the bacteria can travel up from the bladder into one or both kidneys. If treated with antibiotics straight away a kidney infection does not cause serious harm, although you'll feel very unwell. If a kidney infection is not treated, it can get worse and sometimes cause permanent kidney damage. Symptoms of kidney infection Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. In addition to feeling unwell like this, you may also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis. These include: needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual

pain or a burning sensation when peeing

smelly or cloudy pee

blood in your pee

When to see a GP See a GP if you feel feverish and have pain that will not go away in your tummy, lower back or genitals. You should also see a GP if you have symptoms of a UTI that have not improved after a few days, or if you have blood in your pee. Contact a GP immediately if you think your child may have a kidney infection. If you cannot get a GP appointment and need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest urgent care centre (UCC). If you do not have a local UCC, go to your nearest A&E. Diagnosing kidney infection To work out if you have a kidney infection, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and recent medical history. They'll carry out a urine test to see if you have a UTI. If you're a male with a confirmed UTI, a GP will refer you straight to a specialist (a urologist) for further investigation. Treatment of kidney infection Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream. You may also need painkillers. If you're especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection (for example, if you have a long-term health condition or are pregnant), you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip. Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover. Causes of kidney infection A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys. E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm. They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you're not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo. A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Who's at risk Kidney infections can happen at any age and are much more common in women. This is because a woman's urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the kidneys. Younger women are most at risk because they tend to be more sexually active, and having frequent sex increases the chances of getting a kidney infection.

Do eggs increase testosterone?

Controlled consumption of egg yolk will help boost testosterone levels over time, and reduce any risks of cholesterol-induced diseases. Egg yolks...

Last updated May 2, 2018

What are the three element of health?

Start Maintaining Your Health Triangle To recap, the health triangle consists of three sides: Physical Health: Your bodies ability to function...

Last updated Aug 24, 2021

Promotion

Preventing kidney infection The best way to prevent a kidney infection is to keep your bladder and urethra free from bacteria by: drinking plenty of fluids (plain water is best) going to the loo as soon as you feel the need to, rather than holding it in

going to the loo after sex

wiping from front to back after going to the loo

washing your genitals every day, and before having sex if possible

treating any constipation – being constipated can increase your chance of developing a UTI not using a diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide if you're prone to getting UTIs – it's thought spermicide can increase your risk of getting a UTI If you keep getting urine infections, a GP may prescribe you a low dose of antibiotics to take regularly. This may help to prevent the infection returning or any infection spreading to the kidneys.

nhs.uk - Kidney infection - NHS

Why do I leak after prostate surgery?

Why does prostatectomy cause incontinence? Incontinence typically occurs after a prostatectomy because one of the valves that control urine flow is...

Last updated Jan 10, 2020

How to please a man mentally?

Creating an emotional connection is all about engaging and connecting in a way that stimulates him, not you. Keep it sexy. It's no secret that men...

Last updated Jul 24, 2018

Promotion

Can prostate enlarged again after TURP?

It is known that the prostate starts to grow again after surgery and about one in ten men need a repeat procedure within ten years of having TURP....

Last updated Mar 12, 2022

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

What part of your body hurts with prostate cancer?

Sciatica is the most common type of referred pain in advanced prostate cancer. It's caused by damage to one or more of the nerves that start in the...

Last updated Oct 4, 2018