UTIs and Kidney Infections: Overview of the Urinary System

The urinary system includes the urethra and bladder, known as the lower urinary tract, and the ureters and the kidneys. Usually, when someone talks of having a urinary tract infection, they only refer to an infection of the urethra and/or the bladder. A kidney infection is viewed as a completely separate entity even though all aspects of the urinary system can technically be considered the urinary tract.

Utis and kidney infectionsWhat are Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Infections?

Most commonly known as UTIs, Urinary tract infections can affect any part of the urinary tract. When we hear of a UTI, it usually involves the lower tract. The most common UTIs are cystitis, a bladder infection, and urethritis, an infection of the urethra. Kidney infections are limited to the kidneys and can be much more severe. 

Symptoms of a UTI

Symptoms of any UTI can include:

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • Increase in the frequency you feel the urge to urinate
  • Passing minimal quantities of urine despite the frequency or urge
  • Urine itself has a foul odor to it
  • Urine that is cloudy or that appears to be bloody
  • Abdominal discomfort, including cramping

Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

When you have a kidney infection, you may experience all the same symptoms of a UTI. A kidney infection can be much more severe, and you may experience the following additional symptoms as well:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Pain in your lower back or sides
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

How Are UTIs and Kidney Infections Related

Other than being a part of the same system, we start by looking at the causes of a UTI. A UTI results from bacteria that enter the urinary tract and multiply. The most common bacteria to infect the urinary tract is e-coli from the gastrointestinal system or a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Most kidney infections are the result of an untreated UTI. The bacteria move from the bladder into either one or both kidneys through the ureters. Other potential risk factors that can lead to kidney infections include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Urinary tract blockage
  • Weakened immune system
  • Catheter draining from the urinary tract
  • Complications from nerve or spinal damage prevent the patient from realizing their bladder is full

When to Seek Help From a Doctor

When you first see symptoms of a UTI, you should consult with your doctor so that they can get you on antibiotics. If your symptoms worsen or you begin to experience nausea and vomiting or see blood in your urine, you should seek medical help immediately. Kidney infections can have serious long-term consequences and should never be ignored. 

An  untreated kidney infection  can lead to some serious complications that can include:

  • Scarring of the kidneys can lead to high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure.
  • Blood poisoning, also known as septicemia, can result. Since the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the body, an infection can potentially spread throughout the bloodstream, poisoning your entire circulatory system.
  • Complications during pregnancy can occur from a kidney infection during pregnancy. This can result in the birth of low birth-weight babies. 

How to Prevent UTIs and Kidney Infections

UTIs can be prevented, reducing your risk of developing a kidney infection.  Women are more likely to contract a UTI, and they have a better chance of reducing their risk by:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, water is the important
  • Don’t hold it in. Urinate when you first feel the urge to
  • Make sure that you empty your bladder following intercourse
  • Be careful when you wipe, and make sure you always wipe front to back
  • Avoid feminine products such as deodorant sprays in the genital area.

If you experience any signs or symptoms related to a UTI or kidney infection, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can provide you with further guidance on what to do to help prevent the occurrence of UTIs and kidney infections. 

If you are suffering from pain you think is associated with kidney stones, Richmond Nephrology Associates can help. If you have chronic issues with kidney stones, call us today.