1. Not Your Average UTI
Your kidneys' job is to keep your blood clean by ridding it of wastes and excess water while producing urine. These bean-shaped organs are in the center of your back underneath your rib cage. Kidney infections, commonly referred to as pyelonephritis, are a type of urinary tract infection. The infection gets its start when bacteria enters the urethra or bladder and works its way into your kidneys. Without proper treatment, a kidney infection can permanently damage your organs or the infection can infiltrate your bloodstream and threaten your life.
2. Beware of the Germs
Germs are the most common cause of kidney infections. The ones responsible for these infections hang out in your large intestine and surface in your stool. They make their way into your body via the ureters or the tube that transports urine from your bladder out of your body. Any time these germs enter your urethra, the possibility exists for them to invade and infect your bladder and kidneys.
3. Kidney Stones Contributing Cause
Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate also cause kidney infections. Kidney stones consist of salts and minerals in your urine that bond together to create small "pebbles" or stones. Generally painless when in the organ, kidney stones can become extremely painful if they break away and move through your ureters as they leave your body during urination. An enlarged prostate may make urinating difficult. It also may cause you to urinate multiple times during the night, produce a frequent urge to urinate or create a sense that your bladder is not sufficiently empty following urination.
4. Fill Up On Fluids
Other common kidney infection causes include insufficient fluid intake, being diabetic or pregnant. Intercourse also can carry bacteria into the urinary tract, particularly in females. Catheters, the tiny, malleable tubes positioned into the bladder so urine can drain, are a breeding ground for bacterial infections, especially for individuals who are in the hospital or reside in long-term care facilities.
5. Flush Away Infection
Reduce your chances of kidney infection by providing your body with the fluids it needs. When the body does not get enough fluids, it cannot flush away wastes and bacteria, making it a breeding ground for infection. A good rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily. Water continues to be the recommended drink of choice. Stay away from cranberry juice if using a blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin. Other liquids to avoid while fighting a kidney infection include citrus juices, alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks. They can increase urination. Check with your doctor before increasing your fluid intake if you suffer from congestive heart failure.
