Differentiating Kidney Infections from Urinary Tract Infections: Exploring Symptoms, Roots, Remedies, and Prognoses
Lower Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): What's the Difference?
Lower UTIs are common and often cause discomfort and urgency in the urinary system. Symptoms include a painful, stinging, or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria), frequent urination, and a persistent urge to urinate even after the bladder is emptied. In some cases, urine may have a foul smell, appear bloody, or be cloudy.
On the other hand, kidney infections are more serious as they involve the spread of infection from the lower urinary tract up to the kidneys. In addition to the symptoms of a lower UTI, kidney infections present with high fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, lower back or flank pain (usually sharp and on one side), changes in urine appearance, general malaise such as fatigue or weakness, disorientation or confusion, especially in seniors.
If left untreated, a lower UTI can travel to the kidneys, potentially leading to complications such as permanent kidney damage or sepsis. For this reason, it's crucial to finish the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Risk factors for UTIs include having diabetes, not urinating before or after sexual activity, having multiple or new sexual partners, having a personal or maternal history of UTIs, wearing underwear made from synthetic materials, having experienced menopause, using diaphragms, douches, spermicides, or unlubricated condoms, and having an especially short distance between the anus and urethra.
For a suspected kidney infection, a doctor orders a urine test to check for the type of bacteria responsible. Treatment typically involves an antibiotic, prescribed by the doctor for both lower UTIs and kidney infections. In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and fluids may be necessary.
It's important to seek medical attention for any symptoms of a bladder or a kidney infection, especially in children with high fever, older adults experiencing confusion, hallucinations, or new falls. Over-the-counter test strips can be used to check for a UTI, but if the test or symptoms indicate an infection, contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
The American Kidney Fund is a valuable resource for more information about kidney health and UTIs. Remember, any UTI typically requires professional treatment to prevent serious complications. UTIs are more common in females due to factors such as wiping back to front, sexual activity, and having a short distance between the anus and urethra.
By understanding the symptoms and risks of UTIs and kidney infections, you can take steps to maintain good urinary health and seek prompt treatment if necessary.
- Maintaining good urinary health involves recognizing the symptoms of Lower UTIs and Kidney Infections.
- A painful, stinging, or burning sensation during urination may indicate a Lower UTI.
- Frequent urination and a persistent urge to urinate even after the bladder is emptied can be signs of Lower UTIs.
- A foul smell, blood, cloudy urine, or changes in urine appearance might suggest a Lower UTI or a Kidney Infection.
- Kidney Infections can lead to high fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and lower back or flank pain.
- Disorientation, confusion, especially in seniors, and general malaise are also symptoms of Kidney Infections.
- If left untreated, a Lower UTI can lead to complications such as permanent kidney damage or sepsis.
- Finishing the full course of prescribed antibiotics is crucial in ensuring the infection is fully treated.
- Risk factors for UTIs include diabetes, sexual activity, multiple or new sexual partners, and a personal or maternal history of UTIs.
- A doctor orders a urine test to check for the type of bacteria responsible for Kidney Infections.
- Treatment for both Lower UTIs and Kidney Infections usually involves antibiotics, prescribed by a doctor.
- In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and fluids may be necessary.
- Seek medical attention for any symptoms of bladder or kidney infections, especially in children with high fever, older adults with confusion, hallucinations, or new falls.
- Over-the-counter test strips can be used to check for a UTI, but a proper diagnosis from a doctor is necessary.
- The American Kidney Fund provides valuable information about kidney health and UTIs.
- UTIs are more common in females due to factors such as wiping back to front, sexual activity, and a short distance between the anus and urethra.
- By understanding the symptoms and risks, you can take steps to maintain good urinary health and seek prompt treatment if necessary.
- In addition to urinary health, paying attention to mental health, sexual health, digestive health, eye health, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, skin conditions, nutrition, aging, parenting, weight management, and fitness and exercise is essential for overall health and wellness.
