Signs and Symptoms

• Pain in the lower back that may spread to the groin area
• Frequent and urgent urination
• High fever
• Severe nausea and vomiting

Description

Kidney infections, or renal infections, are caused when a bacteria-usually E. colienters the kidneys through some other part of the body. The most common type of kidney infection occurs when bacteria from a bladder infection travels up the ureters and into the kidneys. The result is swelling and inflammation in one or both of the kidneys.

In the early stages, the symptoms of a kidney infection usually resemble the symptoms of a bladder infection, such as increased frequency and urgency of urination. If left untreated, a kidney infection may cause flu-like symptoms-such as fever, chills, nausea, and perhaps vomiting-as it progresses. These symptoms are accompanied by aches on both sides of the abdomen or upper back.

People with kidney stones, diabetes mellitus (which can impair the kidney’s filtering system), or scar tissue from a previous kidney infection are at increased risk of developing a kidney infection. Pregnancy is also a time of increased risk. Use of a catheter (used to empty the bladder after surgery) also increases a person’s risk of developing a kidney infection.

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suspect you have a kidney infection, see your doctor immediately. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications, such as a kidney abscess, bloodstream infection, or shock or permanent scarring of the kidneys. To diagnose a kidney infection, your physician may take a urine specimen and urine culture to test for bacteria. An X-ray of the kidney and bladder or a kidney ultrasound may be necessary to look for the underlying cause of the kidney infection, such as a kidney stone. Treatment for a kidney infection generally consists of one to two weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture may be used to help lessen the inflammation and pain associated with a kidney infection.

Acupressure A frequent urge to urinate may be diminished by applying firm pressure to Conception Vessel 3, Bladder 23, Spleen 6, and Liver 3.

Chinese Herbal Therapy The Chinese herbal formulas Energetics Yin and Energetics Yang may be taken simultaneously to help strengthen kidneys that have been weakened by infection. Achryanthes also may be given as a kidney tonic. Dianthus Combination may be taken to help strengthen kidneys that have been weakened by infection.