What are the symptoms of kidney infections?
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Summary
8 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that symptoms of kidney infections can include loin pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting, and may lead to complications such as renal failure, hypertension, and scarring if associated with conditions like chronic pyelonephritis, urinary tract obstructions, vesicoureteral reflux, polycystic kidney disease, or following kidney transplantation.
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Introduction
Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that typically starts in the bladder and spreads to one or both kidneys. They can cause a variety of symptoms and, if left untreated, may lead to serious health complications.
Key Insights from Research Papers
- Symptoms of kidney infections often include loin pain, fever, rigors, nausea, and vomiting, with some cases also presenting with symptoms commonly associated with bladder infections such as frequency and burning during urination.
- Urinary tract infections, including kidney infections, can lead to complications such as renal scarring, which may result in hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and even renal failure in later years.
- Kidney infections can be a precursor to chronic kidney conditions, with some patients developing chronic nephritis as a result of persistent interstitial infection.
- In the context of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD), urinary tract infections are among the symptoms experienced by patients, alongside hypertension, haematuria, and back pain.
- Kidney infections can be difficult to diagnose due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, and they may present with signs ranging from minimal proteinuria to acute or chronic renal failure.
- In renal transplant patients, urinary tract infections are common and may involve the graft or native kidneys, with symptoms potentially being masked by immunosuppression.
Conclusion
Kidney infections manifest with a range of symptoms that can mimic those of bladder infections, but they also have the potential to cause more severe complications such as renal scarring and chronic kidney disease. The symptoms can vary widely from pain and fever to urinary frequency and burning. In certain populations, such as those with PKD or post-renal transplant, the presentation of symptoms may differ, and the risk of complications can be higher. Recognizing and treating kidney infections promptly is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the kidneys.
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