What Causes Pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis, commonly referred to as a kidney infection, is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This condition is considered a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It begins with bacteria traveling through the urethra and up the urinary tract to the kidneys. This can potentially cause permanent damage to the kidneys and can result in an infection in the bloodstream.
If not treated properly, pyelonephritis can become life-threatening and may require hospitalization. If you think you have this condition, a kidney specialist on Long Island can offer treatment to prevent it from worsening and reverse the infection.
Symptoms Of Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection):
Knowing the signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis early on can help you prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body. If you recognize any of the following symptoms, visit a kidney specialist on Long Island:
- Fever
- Back, side, and/or groin pain
- Frequent urination
- Burning pain when urinating
- Urine that has pus/blood and smells foul
- A preexisting UTI that doesn’t improve with antibiotics
Who Is At Risk For Pyelonephritis
- Females – Due to the fact that females have a short urinary tract, it is easier for an infection to enter the urinary tract and travel to the kidneys. For pregnant women, the risk is even greater.
- Weak Immune Systems – Those who have weak immune systems because of illness, certain medications, and certain conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes are at higher risk of getting pyelonephritis.
- Using a Catheter – Since a catheter is in direct contact with your urinary tract, it makes it easier for bacteria to enter and wreak havoc. The use of a catheter should be monitored by a medical professional.
Prevention:
There are certain precautions you can take to reduce the chances of suffering from a kidney infection. Drinking the right amount of water on a daily basis can help flush out infections and keep your urinary tract lubricated. Making sure that you urinate as often as you need to can also keep your bladder clean. In addition to keeping the inside of your body clean, make sure that you do the same for the outside. Make sure you avoid introducing any kind of bacteria to the genital area to prevent an infection from the beginning and spreading through your urinary tract.
How Can A Kidney Specialist On Long Island Help?
If you think you may have a kidney infection, reach out to a kidney specialist on Long Island immediately! By doing that you’ll be able to prevent it from causing any serious damage to your kidneys. We need our kidneys to be as healthy as possible, which means preventing any issues should be of the utmost importance. Contact PRINEhealth now to schedule an appointment with one of our providers near you!
