10 Warning Signs of Kidney Infection You Should Never Ignore
Your kidneys are small organs, but they play a big role in keeping your body healthy. These bean-shaped organs are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and salts from your blood. However, when your kidneys become infected, they can’t function properly and lead to a condition known as kidney infection or pyelonephritis.
While it’s true that anyone can get a kidney infection, some people are more prone to them than others. These include women, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, kidney infections can have serious consequences, including permanent kidney damage.
However, if you know the warning signs, you can catch a kidney infection early and prevent it from turning into a more serious condition. Here are ten warning signs of kidney infection that you should never ignore.
1. Pain in the Side or Back
One of the most common signs of kidney infection is pain in your side or back. This pain is usually located in the flank (the area between your ribs and hips) of your affected kidney. It can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea.
2. Painful Urination
Another common symptom of kidney infection is painful urination. This pain could be caused by the inflammation of your urethra or bladder, or it could be a result of an irritated kidney. In any case, painful urination is a sign that you need to seek medical attention.
3. Urgent or Frequent Urination
Kidney infection can also cause you to feel like you need to urinate more frequently than usual. You may also experience a strong urge to urinate, even when your bladder is empty.
4. Blood in Urine
If you notice blood in your urine, it could be a sign of kidney infection. However, blood in the urine can also be a symptom of other conditions such as bladder cancer or kidney stones. Therefore, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause of the blood in your urine.
5. Foul-smelling urine
If your urine has a strong, foul odor, it could be a sign of a kidney infection. The odor is caused by the presence of bacteria in your urinary tract, which can cause the urine to take on an unpleasant smell.
6. Fever
A fever is a common symptom of kidney infection. If you have a kidney infection, your body’s immune system is trying to fight off the infection, which can cause your body temperature to rise.
7. Fatigue
Kidney infection can also make you feel extremely tired or fatigued. This is because your body is using a lot of energy to fight off the infection.
8. Loss of Appetite
If you’re experiencing kidney infection, you may also lose your appetite. This is because the infection can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, making it difficult to eat.
9. Swelling
In some cases, kidney infection can cause swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. This is because the kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid from your body, and when they’re not functioning properly, this excess fluid can build up in your tissues.
10. Confusion
If the infection spreads to your bloodstream, it can cause confusion, delirium, or even sepsis, a life-threatening condition. If you’re experiencing confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
In conclusion, kidney infection is a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t ignore them. Seek medical help right away to catch the infection early and prevent it from causing permanent damage to your kidneys.
