Kidney Infection - Optimum Health Telehealth: Wellness Resource

Kidney infections are caused by microbes such as bacteria that typically travel from the bladder up to the kidneys making them reddened and full of yellow pus as seen to the left. Notice the lack of pus in the healthy kidney to the right.

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Bacteria prevent the kidneys from filtering waste properly. Unfortunately, the bacteria can also spread from your kidneys into your bloodstream and cause a systemic infection. As a result, a kidney infection must be treated quickly!

How does the bacteria reach the kidneys?

The bacteria enter the body through the urethra and travel to the bladder. The bacteria will cause a bladder infection that can cause pain when urinating. Unfortunately, if not stopped, the bacteria will travel up the long tube called the ureter to the kidneys. Now, an infection will develop in the kidneys. At this point, the bacteria can leave the kidneys and enter the bloodstream. This is a very serious situation and must be treated immediately. Otherwise, a life-threatening situation can arise.

How do you know if you have a kidney infection?

A kidney infection can cause extreme pain. However, the kidneys do not have nerves that will allow them to signal pain. Actually, the kidneys refer their pain to the sides of the lower back, as seen in the picture. Therefore, if you feel this type of pain, take immediate action. A kidney infection can also cause a fever, chills, vomiting, and frequent but painful urination.

What can you do for a kidney infection?

First, guzzle 24-32 ounces of water in less than 15 minutes. This should make you urinate 2-4 times shortly after you guzzle the water. If the pain stops, you may have just been dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking the proper amount of water daily to prevent dehydration. As long as the pain does not return, your kidneys are probably fine. However, it is always good to have a health professional examine you to make sure your kidneys are healthy.

If the pain does not stop after you guzzle the water, seeing a health professional is not optional. It is critical that you see a health professional immediately. Natural health practitioners, such as those at our center, can suggest options that will not destroy the good microbes throughout your body. Keep in mind that a physician’s antibiotics will destroy both good and bad microbes, leading to constipation and other issues.