1. Take it Seriously
A urinary tract infection is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Also called a kidney infection, it usually starts small and spreads into the bloodstream if not treated. The kidneys act as a filter for the liquids that pass through our body, just as the colon filters out all the poisons in our solid waste. Passing urine doesn't just empty the bladder when it's full; it also carries poison out after passing through the kidney filters. A kidney infection interrupts this process, allowing those poisons to seep though to the bloodstream.
2. Catch it Early
Some people are prone to regular kidney infections and recognize the symptoms right away. Others not so familiar with the problem should be concerned if urination increases dramatically, or if burning occurs during urination. You might feel an urge to go all the time, even when you know your bladder is empty. If your urine is cloudy and gives of a stronger, unusual odor, get checked out. Conversely, if you can't go when you need to, it could be because of a kidney infection.
3. It Only Gets Worse
High fever, chills and extreme exhaustion will accompany an infection that goes untreated for very long. Children who've been toilet-trained may start wetting the bed again and adults will experience diarrhea or exhibit what looks like dementia or confusion. If it goes on, the poisons will continue to enter the bloodstream and blood poisoning will result. An untreated kidney infection can be fatal.
4. How Could This Happen?
Bacteria are the offensive invaders that cause urinary tract infections. It could move from an infection somewhere else in the body and attack the urethra when it is passing through. Normally, the body fights off these offending bacteria when they enter the bladder. After all, that's its main purpose in life. Sometimes a weakened immune system breaks down this natural order. A kidney stone may be blocking the natural stream that eliminates harmful bacteria, or it can develop from prolonged catheterization. Women should be particularly careful when wiping after urination to move the tissue from front to back, so as not to drag in extra germs.
5. Knock It Out
Antibiotics will take care of a kidney infection when it's caught early enough. A simple urine test in the doctor's office can tell if you've got an infection, and a prescription medicine will start to work within a couple days. If kidney infections plague you often, it could be a sign of another underlying disease. People who use catheters on a regular basis watch for signs of infection as part of their daily routine. Severe kidney infections might take a stronger dose of antibiotic treatment intravenously in the hospital.
