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Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
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Severe back or flank pain just below your ribs, where your where your kidneys are located, may indicate that your kidneys are swollen or inflamed.
Fevers, chills, or nausea and vomiting may mean that the infection is starting to affect other parts of your body.
Generally feeling sick or ill, may mistakenly be attributed to a virus or other sickness, when your kidney infection is starting to affect your whole body.
"analysis of your urine to check for white blood cells and red blood cells and bacteria"
When you are having any of these symptoms of a kidney infection it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. He can examine you and order an analysis of your urine to check for white blood cells and red blood cells and bacteria.
Your doctor can also evaluate you to rule out more serious diseases such as kidney cancer symptoms and symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
If you see your doctor before your infection becomes severe he may be able to treat you with oral antibiotics. If your doctor thinks your infection is more advanced he may bring you into the hospital for IV antibiotics. When your infection is very advanced you may require surgery to clean out the infection or remove your kidney.
Your doctor may also give you a medicine to make you more comfortable by stopping the pain and burning with urination. Some of these medications may turn your urine a bright orange, so don't be alarmed by the changes in the color of your urine.
Steps you can take to promote kidney health and prevent an infection :
Drink plenty of water
Constantly flushing out your urinary tract with fresh dilute urine will make it difficult for bacteria to get started.
Urinate when you feel the urge
Frequent urination drains stagnant urine and reduces the chances of developing an infection.
Wipe front to back
After a bowel movement clean yourself by wiping bacteria away from your urinary tract.
Urinate after sex
Draining your bladder after sexual intercourse will help to wash away bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra.
Frequent urinalysis if pregnant
Some doctors recommend having your urine tested frequently when you are pregnant. This promotes prompt treatment and prevents complications.
Discuss with your doctor
Manage your weight to keep your BMI less than 30.
Control your diabetes with medicine, exercise, and diet.
Learn and use strict sterile technique if you must catheterize yourself.
Treat urinary tract abnormalities and kidney stones to prevent complications.
"getting checked is quick and easy"
Learning the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and the symptoms of a kidney infection make it easy for you to know when you need to see the doctor.
If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection, or think you may be having symptoms of a kidney infection, getting checked is quick and easy. These things do not go away by themselves. When you ignore symptoms of a kidney infection, you increase your risks of permanently injuring your kidneys or developing severe life threatening disease.
When diagnosed early these infections are quick and easy to treat. So if you think there is a possibility you may be having symptoms; a quick trip to the doctor will put your mind at ease.
Return to Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection In Women
Maybe these can help :
Common Symptoms of Kidney Problems Include Back Pain
Return from Symptoms of Kidney Infection in Women to Causes of Back Pain
Return to Living with Back Pain
