Kidney Infection - Causes
What was the cause of your kidney infection?
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What are the causes of kidney infection?
Urine, similar to other fluids in the body, is normally sterile without any bacterial infection. Therefore, the presence of bacteria in the urine is considered abnormal and may lead to urinary tract infection. Typically, bacteria gain access to the urinary system from outside through the urethra (the drainage tube for urine from the bladder). The bacteria may then ascend in the urinary system and cause kidney infections. Kidney infection (upper UTI) is typically more severe than lower UTI because bacteria may also infect the bloodstream (bacteremia) from the kidneys resulting in a more severe illness.
Bacteria may travel from the rectum or the vagina towards the urethra to gain entry into the urinary system. Other bacteria may enter from the skin. Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections due to the shorter length of their urethras in comparison to those of men.
See what others are saying
I was seen at the ER eight days ago. I was passing out constantly all day, vomiting, and had severe pain in my back and sides. They said I had a kidney infection. I was severely dehydrated and this was causing the passing out. They sent me home with Bactrim and phenergan. I was back there the next day with the same symptoms – not passing out as frequently, but the pain was worse. They said my blood and urine tests looked better. After poking me four times with no luck, the doctor had to use a sonogram machine to find a vein. I was on an antibiotic for a couple days before I felt better. Then on evening No. 5, I started having a burning sensation when I urinated, along with frequent urination. The next morning I woke up in severe, unbearable pain. I went to urgent care and they said I had a UTI. Now it is day 8 of the infection. I'm able to eat and drink without vomiting or passing out, but I am constantly running to the bathroom. When I feel the urge, I have to sprint to the bathroom because it starts leaking. The burning and back pain are still severe. I don't know what I should do. My family doctor does not have any appointments clear to see me all week.
I just had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. A day and a half of being in the hospital post-op I was sent home on Levaquin antibiotic. 2 days later I broke out with hives so I made a trip to the ER. They took me off the Levaquin and put me on Bactrim. The next day broke out again. Next it was Macrobid. Again the next day broke out! So now I am on Cephalexin and still I am not any better. Lower flank pain, stomach pain. A lot of fatigue, chills but no vomiting. I really wish they would get it right because I also have Lupus and it is my main concern especially with the kidney health.
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