Kidneys are located on either side of abdomen and are responsible for production of urine. Kidney infections might appear simple and are usually accompanied by symptoms like pain in loins, blood in urine, fever and nausea. But these infections always don’t come with specific symptoms.
Sometimes the patient just feels general malaise and doesn’t know why he/she is feeling that way. The kidney infection generally develops from cystitis as the bacteria which had caused cystitis travels upwards and damages the kidney. But, studies have stated that infections aren’t caused by cystitis and occur due to stones or any other abnormality.
The infection is generally treated by giving antibiotics. Several doctors prescribe antibiotics when they suspect an infection even before the tests confirm its presence. The medication might be changed after results as some medicines are resistant to particular bacterium.
The treatment can vary for a week or two depending upon the prescription. If the patient experiences pain or high temperature, he/she can take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (popular antibiotics). In case of severe pain, stronger painkillers might be required. These medications carry the risk of dehydrations. Therefore, plenty of water should be drunk by the patient.
There are several infections which don’t reach a severe stage and can be easily cured by taking an antibiotic course. But, there have been cases when hospitalization becomes compulsory. This is mostly seen if the infected person vomits a lot and there are chances of dehydration. This shows that the infection has become severe; the patient might feel weak and antibiotics might not produce any results.
For producing immediate effects, doctors inject the antibiotics directly in the vein and the patient might have to follow a hydration course if required. It is stated that if an individual has had healthy kidneys (due to good eating and drinking habits) and experiences an infection, then the complications are rarely seen and there are chances of full recovery. If a person experiences kidney infection repeatedly, then it could be a sign of some underlying kidney disorder which can further damage the kidney.
