Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common problem, particularly for women, and in most cases they can be easily treated with antibiotics.
On occasions, if left untreated, they may cause kidney infections, which are both extremely unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. Recognising the symptoms of a UTI as early as possible is crucial to prevent complications that will require specialist care.
So, what are the signs of which you should be aware that a UTI is developing into something much more severe?
What Are The Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, can manifest in different ways. Initially, you might notice typical signs of a UTI, such as frequent urination, a burning sensation when passing water, or moderate lower abdominal pain. However, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, the symptoms are likely to intensify:
- Fever and chills: A significant increase in body temperature and shivering can indicate the infection has reached the kidneys.
- Severe pain: You may experience severe pain in the abdomen, back, or sides.
- Frequent and painful urination: The urgency to urinate often increases, accompanied by a burning sensation.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can accompany the pain and fever, signalling a serious infection.
- Discoloured urine: Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine can indicate the presence of bacteria and, possibly, blood.
It is important to note that symptoms may vary with age. Young children may only have a high fever and general irritability, while elderly people may exhibit confusion or disorientation.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Kidney Infections?
If left untreated, kidney infections can lead to severe health issues including:
- Kidney scarring: Repeated or severe infections can cause permanent damage to kidney tissue, leading to chronic kidney disease that requires long-term treatment.
- Pregnancy issues: Pregnant women with kidney infections are at a higher risk of delivering low birth weight or premature babies and are much more prone to UTIs so must be aware of the symptoms.
- Sepsis: Bacteria from a kidney infection can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a condition that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. An estimated 20 per cent of patients with sepsis die of the condition.
How Self-Test Kits Can Help To Prevent A Kidney Infection
The key to preventing a kidney infection is to treat the signs of a UTI as early as possible. At a time when it can be difficult to obtain a prompt GP appointment, self-testing can be an effective solution.
Easy-to-use and affordable, over-the-counter UTI self-testing kits can detect the presence of white blood cells or nitrites in the urine which indicate that an infection may be present. By using our award winning Suresign UTI self-test kit you can check for an infection in the comfort of your home without unwanted delays and obtain expert medical treatment should the test return a positive result.
Preventing kidney infections largely revolves around promptly managing and treating UTIs. Antibiotics is the primary treatment, but GPs will only offer these if an infection has been confirmed by testing. Drinking plentiful amounts of water and urinating after sex can also be beneficial as these will help to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
For more information about our range of self-testing kits for pharmacies, please view our product range or get in touch on 02825 638569 if you have any questions.
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