Kidney Infection (cont.)
Are there foods I should avoid if I have a kidney infection?
There is no scientific data to suggest that avoiding any type of food while
suffering from a
kidney infection is harmful or beneficial. However, it is important to note that severe nausea and
vomiting as well as poor appetite can occur with kidney infection. Therefore, it
may be difficult to maintain adequate food and liquid requirements for patients with kidney
infection, as this may lead to dehydration and worsening weakness.
The treating physician
may prescribe medications to treat these symptoms.
Some natural remedies for kidney and urinary tract infection,
cranberry and cranberry juice,
have been shown to reduce recurring kidney infections. However, this may be more useful as a preventative measure than actual
treatment.
Can kidney infection be prevented?
Hygiene: The main approach to prevention of kidney infection is proper hygiene.
Because the majority of infections tend to happen due to the presence of
bacteria entering the
urinary tract from the urethra, proper personal hygiene is very important. For
example, in women, wiping the genital area from front to back after going to the bathroom may
significantly prevent bacteria around the anus or vagina to gain access
to the urethra.
Sex: Because sexual intercourse is another risk factor for kidney
infection, it is advised to empty the bladder (urinate) after sexual activity to
drain bacteria that may have entered the bladder.
Foods/supplements: Cranberry and cranberry juice are also proven methods for prevention of
recurring kidney infection as mentioned above.
Catheters: Other important measures may apply to special situations. For example, in
individuals for indwelling bladder catheters, it is important that the catheter
is changed routinely under the guidance of a physician. The area around the
catheter, especially where it enters the urethra, should be monitored and
cleaned routinely.
Kidney stones: In patients with kidney infection who also have kidney stones, the
stone may serve as a potential focus of infection that can spread to the rest of
the urinary system. Therefore, these patients may be referred to a specialist
(urologist) for evaluation and possible removal of the stone(s) to prevent future
urinary infections.
Next: Kidney Infection At A Glance »
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