A kidney infection or pyelonephritis is one of the most common types of urinary tract infections that may begin from the bladder or urethra. If this infection is not diagnosed and treated properly then it may spread to the bloodstream and can also cause permanent kidney damage.
Some of the early signs that you may look for to confirm a kidney infection are chills, fever, back pain, burning feeling during urination, blood and bad smell in urine, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms then you must seek the guidance of a reputed urologist in Siliguri immediately.
Given below are some of the possible risk factors that can be associated with kidney infections.
(Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387)
1. Weak Immune System
One of the main risk factors for kidney infection is having a weak immune system. This is because a weak immune system makes it easier for the fungi or bacteria to enter the bloodstream and then the bladder, where it also infects the kidneys severely.
Some of the common medical conditions that can weaken the immune system are HIV and diabetes. In some cases, certain medications given after organ transplant can also weaken the immune system while making you prone to kidney infections.
2. Urinary Tract Blockage
Urinary tract obstruction or blockage is another health condition that can increase your risk of developing kidney infections. This type of blockage restricts the normal flow of urine which not only causes infections but can also be a major reason for kidney stones and damage.
The blockage in the urinary tract can be caused due to various reasons such as an enlarged prostate gland, kidney stone, and narrowed urethra. Hormonal therapy or endoscopic surgery can treat the blockage and reduce the chances of kidney issues.
3. Vesicoureteral Reflux
A person suffering from vesicoureteral reflux also has the risk of getting affected by kidney infection. This is because in this condition the urine flows in the wrong direction and moves back to the bladder making it an appropriate area for the bacteria to reach the kidneys.
It is essential to consult the top nephrologist in Siliguri to cure this disorder to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. The common symptoms of this issue are burning while urination, fever, bladder leakage, and upper back or lower pain.
4. Using Urinary Catheter
If you’re using a urinary catheter then you may get a urinary infection. The catheters are mainly used for the people who are confined in the bed and have undergone a serious surgical procedure.
In some cases, the catheters allow bacteria to enter your body through the connected pipe and these bacteria not only travel to the kidney but can also impact the ureter and bladder severely.
5. Being Female
Gender plays a major role in kidney infection since females are more prone to these infections due to the shorter length of the urethra. This makes it easier for the outer bacteria to reach the bladder and kidney through the anus and vagina. This also puts pregnant women at high risk of developing infections.
To control these risk factors and prevent kidney infection, you must drink a sufficient amount of water and maintain proper hygiene. It is also essential to contact a kidney doctor in Siliguri in case of any abnormal symptoms to prevent serious complications of the infection such as blood poisoning and kidney scarring.