Have you ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI)? They’re not fun. UTIs are usually developed in women and can be serious if the infection spreads to your kidneys. How serious? Well…death actually. Not to be dramatic, but a kidney infection left untreated can permanently damage your kidneys or the bacteria can spread to your bloodstream and kill you.
Sorry – but it’s alarming stuff – and a great reason to visit the emergency center if you suspect a UTI.
Here are some symptoms of UTIs and kidney infections and methods of treatment, (spoiler: it’s antibiotics).
Symptoms of a UTI:
- Constantly feeling like you need to pee –and then only passing small amounts of urine.
- A burning sensation during urination.
- Cloudy or appears red/pink
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
Symptoms of a kidney infection (all the symptoms listed above with the following added):
- Fever
- Lower back, groin, and abdominal pain
If you are showing signs of a UTI or a kidney infection visit an emergency center as soon as possible.
To add to that – if you have already been treated for a UTI and your symptoms aren’t improving over the course of 48 hours – it’s time to go back in to the emergency center.
Causes:
How did this happen? Infection of the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys are caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra. These little buggers multiply in the bladder and an infection ensues. While your body usually combats these microscopic invaders, occasionally defenses fail.
Risk Factors:
- Having female anatomy – the pure proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anus creates opportunities for bacteria to enter the bladder.
- Frequent sexual activity
- Diaphragms for birth control
- Obstruction in the urinary tract
- Use of a catheter
- Being post-menopause