Infections within the body can be very dangerous if left untreated. While kidney and urinary tract infections are closely related they are also very different. The symptoms and severity of these infections are very important to understand. Below we have broken down all of the key facts that you should know about kidney and urinary tract infections.
Kidney Infection Overview
1. Basics
A kidney infection occurs when a bladder infection spreads up into the kidneys. The infection occurs from bacteria that travels up the ureters and infects either one or both kidneys. It is also known as pyelonephritis and can be potentially dangerous if it enters the blood stream. Some other things other than a UTI can also be to blame for kidney infections, such as kidney stones, pelvic masses, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms of a kidney infection often begin as normal urinary tract infection symptoms which include pain when urinating and frequent urination often producing no more than a few drops of urine. When the infection progresses symptoms such as back pain, fever, a feeling of general unwellness, confusion, blood in the urine, foul smelling urine, and nausea or vomiting.
3. Treatment
The treatment of kidney infections depend on the severity. In mild cases antibiotics are given. If a kidney infection is severe, or has spread to the blood stream, than hospitalization may be required along with IV antibiotics and a possible blood transfusion.
Important Facts About Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
1. Overview
A urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as a UTI, is when any part of the urinary system become infected. This can include the bladder, urethra, kidneys, or ureters. The majority of UTIs occur in the lower part of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra.
2. Causes
A UTI can have many different causes but some of the most common are caused by Escherichia coli, or E. Coli. This bacteria is found in the gastrointestinal tract and and can be spread to the urinary tract through incorrect wiping after bowel movements or bad hygiene. Sexual intercourse can also play a role in the development of urinary tract infections. All woman are at risk of developing urinary tract infections because of the short length of the urethra, meaning the bacteria has a very short distance to travel.
3. Symptoms
Urinary tract infection symptoms can be very bothersome and interrupt daily life. A strong and persistent urge to urinate is almost always present. You will have the feeling like you are about to have an accident but when you try to go little to nothing will come out. A burning sensation when you urinate is also a common symptom. Other symptoms include foul smelling urine, pelvic pain, and urine that appear to be cloudy.
4. Treatment
Treatment of urinary tract infections are usually just a round of antibiotics. A culture will also be done on the urine in order to identify the exact type of bacteria that has caused the infection. Over the counter pain medications are available that are made specifically for urinary tract infection symptoms. Consuming lots of fluid and cranberry juice may also help to “flush” the infection out.
Differences Between Kidney Infection and UTI
1.All Part Of The Same System
A urinary tract infection means an infection of any part of the urinary system, and the kidneys are included in this. They do differ slightly because of their severity, but in most cases a kidney infection is a result of an untreated urinary tract infection.
2. Severity
The severity of these infections are the biggest difference. With a urinary tract infection the risk of not treating is the spreading to the kidneys. After the infection has affected the kidneys it has the possibility of spreading into the blood stream, which is a potentially life threatening illness.
3. Symptoms
A kidney infection presents many new and more painful symptoms that are not present with a simple urinary tract infections. Sever back pain, fever, and nausea are signs of kidney infection along with the urination symptoms with a UTI.