There are now more alternatives than ever for treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The new IBD therapies released recently are successful in decreasing symptoms, and more are being explored.

Seeing a gastroenterologist regularly and taking your medicine on the schedule is critical to properly treating IBD. With today’s drugs, many patients can reduce inflammation, avoid problems, and enhance their quality of life.

Causes of kidney infection

Escherichia coli is the most prevalent cause of kidney infections (pyelonephritis) (E. coli). It can also be caused by bacteria of different species.

Urinary tract bacteria enter your bladder and kidneys via your urethra (the tube that conducts urine from your body). From the circulation, bacteria can enter your kidneys.

If you have a history of kidney infections:

• Your kidneys or urinary tract are affected by an underlying disease.
• When you pee, you pee via a medical tube called a catheter.
• An obstruction in your ureter or kidney, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate gland, is preventing you from passing urine.
• You’re carrying a baby.
• diabetes is a medical condition that affects you.
• If you have HIV/AIDS, cancer, or are using steroids, your immune system is already compromised.
• You have a problem with urination.

You have lately had sex with a new partner, or you have sex frequently.

 

Kidney Infection Risk Factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few things that might increase your chance of developing a kidney infection, including some that you have no control over:

The possession of a vagina. People with vaginas have a shorter urethra than men with penises, which is the tiny tube that drains urine from the body. Bacteria can easily enter the bladder from the outside world because of this. Urethral germs can enter the urinary tract via your vagina or anus, which is why it’s important to keep it clean.

Having a blockage in your urinary system. Anything that impedes the flow of urine or prevents you from completely emptying your bladder when you urinate, such as a kidney stone, is a possible cause.

Having a weakened immune system. With diabetes or HIV, or drugs that suppress the immune system, you may be more susceptible to infection.

Damage to the bladder nerves, using a catheter for the first time, and having a disease like vesicoureteral reflux, which causes urine to flow in the opposite direction, are all possible risk factors.

 

Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

A kidney infection is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Your urine contains blood or pus.
• There is a high temperature and chills.
• Consumption decreases
• Your lower back, side, or groin may be in pain.
• Vomiting or an upset stomach
• a feeling of exhaustion or weakness

Bladder infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• It hurts to urinate.
• Even after you’ve peed, you’ll still feel the want to do so.
• Bad-smelling or cloudy urine
• Your lower abdomen hurts.
• I’m peeing more frequently than normal.

If you experience these symptoms, especially if you have a bladder infection and it isn’t going better, you should see your doctor right once.

 

Prevention of kidney infection

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or urinary tract infections (UTIs). How long you need to take them depends on your situation.

A lower UTI frequently causes kidney infections. Try these self-help strategies to prevent UTIs.

• Stay hydrated.
• Never postpone passing urine (peeing) — go whenever the desire strikes.
• Pee after intercourse in the toilet.
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading anus germs.
• Non-perfumed soaps and deodorants in the vaginal region.
• If you have an enlarged prostate, make sure you pee thoroughly.

Some studies have looked into whether D-mannose (a sugar) and cranberry products (such juice or supplements) help prevent UTIs. Not enough research exists to indicate if these products help prevent UTIs, although some individuals think it’s worth a shot.

 

Treatment

Whether or if the infection has progressed to the kidneys and how bad it is must be determined by your doctor.

MILD BLADDER AND KIDNEY INFECTIONS

• In most cases, an antibiotic is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.
• Taking antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7-14 days (men) for a minor bladder infection is recommended (men).
• The usual course of treatment for a urinary tract infection is 7 to 14 days if you are pregnant, diabetic, or have a minor kidney infection.
• Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the antibiotics. It is possible that the infection will recur if you don’t finish the whole course of medication.
• When you have a bladder or kidney infection, you should drink a lot of water.

If you think you might be pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking any of these medications.

RECURRENT BLADDER INFECTIONS

• Repeated bladder infections can be a problem for women. You may be advised by your service provider to:
• Immediately after intercourse, take a single dosage of an antibiotic to avoid infection.
• Make sure you have a three-day supply of antibiotics on hand in case you get a cold or the flu.

An antibiotic should be taken regularly to avoid infections.

MORE SEVERE KIDNEY INFECTIONS

If you are really ill and unable to take your medications or drink enough fluids, you may need to be admitted to the hospital. In addition, you may be required to check into a hospital if you:

• Are you above the age of 60?
• The anatomy of your urinary tract has changed or do you have kidney stones?
• I just underwent surgery on my urinary tract.
• Possess a medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, sclerosis, or spinal cord damage.
• You are pregnant and have a fever, or are unwell in any other way.
• You will be given fluids and antibiotics through a vein in the hospital.

Some patients experience persistent or recurring UTIs, even after therapy. Chronic UTIs are what you’d call them. Chronic UTIs may necessitate the use of stronger antibiotics or a longer course of treatment.

Patients who get an infection because of a structural issue with their urinary system may require surgical intervention.