Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis can be a serious complication of urinary tract infections. Common symptoms a kidney infection include those of a urinary tract infection plus fever and lower back pain.[1]
Kidney Infection | |
Causes | Infections, Medical Procedures |
---|---|
See Also | Urinary Conditions, Urinary tract infection, Diabetes |
Books | Books on Respiratory Conditions |
Articles | Articles on Respiratory Conditions |
Contents
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
Most kidney infections result from the progression of a urinary tract infection that was either not treated or where the treatment was too late or not effective. [2] Additional factors that are specific to kidney infections include:
- Medical Procedures
Diagnostic Testing
- Laboratory testing including urinalysis and culture are used to confirm acute kidney infection. [2]
- Diagnostic Imaging including an ultrasound and CT scan can be employed in the management and diagnosis of kidney infection, and are most often used in severe cases or when obstruction needs to be excluded. [3]
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Conditions related to the development of kidney infection include:[1]
- Urinary tract infection
- Pregnancy
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Pre-existing renal lesions
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression and Immunodeficiency
Characteristics
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of a kidney infection include:[4]
- Fever
- Dysuria
- Flank pain
- Increased urinary frequency
- Nocturia
- burning sensation while urinating
- lower abdominal pain
- foul smelling urine
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. A kidney infection can be a serious health issue requiring hospitalization and intensive treatment if not dealt with timely.
When caught early or when symptoms are mild, a kidney infection is treated similar to a urinary tract infection with respect to the therapies and remedies used. The difference is in the dosage or frequency that substances are taken.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.
References
Reviewed by Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPE, ND [1]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kumar (2009) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Professional Edition, 8th ed Saunders
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Ramakrishnan K, Scheid DC (2005) Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pyelonephritis in Adults. Am Fam Phys;71(5).
- ↑ Nicolle LE (2008) Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults Including Uncomplicated Pyelonephritis. Urologic Clinics of North America; 35(1)
- ↑ Wein (2011) Campbell-Walsh Urology 10th ed Saunders