What are the symptoms of kidney infections?
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Symptoms of Kidney Infections
Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, can present a variety of symptoms that may vary depending on the underlying cause, the patient's health status, and whether the infection is acute or chronic. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Infections
Fever and Chills
One of the most common symptoms of kidney infections is fever, often accompanied by chills. This is a typical response to the body's attempt to fight off the infection. Fever is particularly prevalent in immunosuppressed individuals, such as kidney transplant recipients, who are at a higher risk of bacterial infections.
Pain and Discomfort
Patients with kidney infections often experience pain in the lower back or flanks, which can be severe. This pain is usually localized to the area around the kidneys and can be a distinguishing feature of pyelonephritis. Additionally, some patients may report abdominal pain or discomfort.
Urinary Symptoms
Urinary symptoms are also common in kidney infections. These can include frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, and pain or burning sensation during urination. In some cases, the urine may appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or contain blood .
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are additional symptoms that can occur with kidney infections. These symptoms are often associated with the body's systemic response to the infection and can contribute to the overall feeling of malaise.
Symptoms in Special Populations
Kidney Transplant Recipients
In kidney transplant recipients, the symptoms of kidney infections can be atypical due to immunosuppressive therapy. These patients may not exhibit the usual signs of infection, such as fever, and may instead present with asymptomatic bacteriuria that can progress to more severe conditions like acute pyelonephritis, bacteremia, and urosepsis . This makes it crucial for healthcare providers to monitor these patients closely for any signs of infection.
Women with Kidney Transplants
Women with kidney transplants may experience a range of symptoms that can vary between episodes. They often report feeling both typical and atypical symptoms, which can include the common urinary symptoms as well as systemic signs like fever and malaise. The variability in symptoms can lead to feelings of insecurity and disruption in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Kidney infections can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including fever, pain, urinary issues, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Special populations, such as kidney transplant recipients, may exhibit atypical symptoms, making vigilant monitoring essential. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes for patients.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Infection-Induced Kidney Diseases
Updates on urinary tract infections in kidney transplantation
Acute infections in kidney transplant recipients.
Renal Infections.
The phenomenon of urinary tract infection experienced by women with a kidney transplant.
Renal involvement in urinary tract infection.
Common infections in kidney transplant recipients.
Urinary Tract Infections in Immunocompromised Patients with Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Kidney Transplant.
Multicenter Clinicopathologic Correlation of Kidney Biopsies Performed in COVID-19 Patients Presenting With Acute Kidney Injury or Proteinuria
Delayed Fever and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Urinary Tract Infection
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