Kidney stone or kidney infection can cause back pain. A kidney infection is caused by bacteria entering the urethra and reproducing in the bladder, triggering an infection. The infection then spreads to the kidneys. There are several ways in which bacteria can achieve this:
- Urinary catheter. Having a urinary catheter raises the risk of developing urinary tract infection. This includes kidney infection.
- Kidney stones. People with kidney stones have a higher risk of developing a kidney infection. Kidney stones are the result of a buildup of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys.
- Enlarged prostate. Males with an enlarged prostate have a higher risk of developing kidney infections.
- Weakened immune system. Some patients with weakened immune systems may have a bacterial or fungal infection on their skin, which eventually gets into the bloodstream and attacks the kidneys.
TREATMENT OF KIDNEY INFECTION
Kidney infection can either be treated at home or in a hospital; this will depend on several factors, including the severity of symptoms and an individual’s general state of health.
Treatment at home consists of taking prescribed oral antibiotics. The patient should start to feel better after a few days. The doctor may also prescribe an analgesic if there is any pain. Consuming plenty of fluids will help prevent fever and dehydration. Fluid intake recommendations may vary, depending on the type of infection.
If the individual is treated in hospital and suffers from dehydration, fluids may be administered with a drip. Most cases of hospitalisation do not last more than 3 to 7 days.
The following factors are more likely to lead to treatment being administered in the hospital for kidney infection:
- serious difficulties urinating
- sickle cell anaemia
- diabetic
- HIV
- a history of kidney infection
- a blockage in the kidneys
- severe pain
- severe vomiting
- being aged 60 years or older
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