What Is A Kidney Infection?
Also known as Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection is a type of upper urinary tract infection that usually begins in the urethra or bladder. Letter on, it tends to travel upward to involve one or both of your kidneys. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, as if not treated properly, can permanently damage your kidneys. If left untreated, the infection may spread into your blood and leads to a life-threatening condition called septicemia.
Upper urinary tract infections usually develop when bacteria or other pathogens invade your urethra, bladder or ureters. In normal circumstances, the flow of urine is from your kidneys towards your bladder. This download flow flushes out metabolic byproducts and any bacteria that may be present in it, thus preventing the chance of infection. However, when your kidneys become infected, there is a disruption in the urinary flow or even the urine may flow in the backward direction.
The incidence of kidney infection is increasing around the globe due to multiple dietary and environmental factors. A person with infected kidneys can experience and a number of symptoms that occur around the area of infection or affect the whole body. At first, you may have symptoms related to the lower urinary tract infections before it spreads to your Kidneys.