Kidney Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Kidney infections – AKA pyelonephritis – are serious health conditions that can lead to severe discomfort. But does kidney infection cause bloating? The short answer is yes, it can.

However, there is more to understand about why this happens and how it fits into the larger picture of kidney health.

What Is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that spreads to one or both kidneys. It starts when bacteria, often ‘E. coli,’ enter the urinary tract, travel through the bladder, and eventually reach the kidneys.

Susan / Unsplash / When left untreated, kidney infections can become quite severe and may even cause long-term damage. Hence, early detection and treatment are crucial.

Kidney infections can happen to anyone, but women are more susceptible because of their anatomy. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter in women, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system. Once the bacteria reach the kidneys, they can cause inflammation and infection.

Does Kidney Infection Cause Bloating?

One of the common questions people have when dealing with a kidney infection is: Does kidney infection cause bloating? Yes, it can. Bloating is a possible symptom of a kidney infection – though it is not the most common one.

Bloating occurs because your body is reacting to the infection and inflammation in the kidneys. This can cause your abdomen to feel full, tight, or uncomfortable.

Apart from bloating, a kidney infection often leads to other digestive issues like nausea and vomiting. These symptoms occur because the infection and inflammation in the kidneys can interfere with your body’s normal digestive processes. The bloating itself is caused by fluid retention and the body’s response to the infection.

The Causes of Kidney Infection

The primary cause of a kidney infection is bacteria entering the urinary tract. In most cases, the bacteria come from the skin around the genital area or from the rectum. Poor hygiene, sexual activity, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of infection.

If the bacteria are not flushed out through urination, they can travel up the urinary tract and reach the kidneys.

Another less common cause is a blockage in the urinary system. This could be due to kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, which can trap urine and create an environment where bacteria thrive. People with weakened immune systems or certain chronic conditions, like diabetes, are also at a higher risk for kidney infections.

What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Infection?

Kidney infections can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which overlap with other urinary tract issues. Common signs of a kidney infection include:

• Pain in the lower back or side, typically near the kidneys.
• Frequent urge to urinate, often accompanied by pain or burning during urination.
• Fever and chills as the body tries to fight off the infection.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine, sometimes tinged with blood.

Olly / Pexels / Fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell are the common symptoms of kidney infection.

As the infection progresses, symptoms may worsen, making it critical to seek medical treatment promptly.

Treatment for Kidney Infection

Treating a kidney infection usually involves antibiotics, which help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding complications. Most people start to feel better within a few days of starting antibiotics, but it is crucial to complete the full course prescribed by your doctor.

In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially if the infection has spread to the bloodstream or if you are unable to keep fluids down due to nausea and vomiting. Intravenous antibiotics and fluids may be administered to help clear the infection and maintain hydration.

So, to prevent kidney infection, make sure to stay hydrated, as this helps flush bacteria from the urinary system. Practice good hygiene, especially after sexual activity, and urinate regularly to prevent bacteria from building up in the bladder.