What Is A Silent Uti
The majority of UTIs happen without symptoms. A UTI is called as silent UTI or asymptomatic UTI when the patient has no symptoms. A UTI is called as symptomatic UTI when the patient has symptoms of UTI. It becomes a silent UTI when patient does not have any symptoms of UTI. The first sign of UTI is usually a feeling of urgency to urinate, followed by frequency and burning sensation during urination. If you ignore symptoms and continue with your daily routine, the bacteria can spread inside the urethra or bladder, causing serious damage and ultimately, kidney infection. Therefore, if you encounter any symptoms of UTI, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. An examination and urine culture test can help to diagnose UTI. If the UTI is not treated on time, it can lead to permanent kidney damage..
Can A Kidney Infection Cause No Appetite
Symptoms of a kidney infection include: Blood or pus in your pee. Fever and chills. Loss of appetite.
Can your back hurt from a bladder infection?
When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.
When To See A Gp
See a GP if you feel feverish and have pain that will not go away in your tummy, lower back or genitals.
You should also see a GP if you have symptoms of a UTI that have not improved after a few days, or if you have blood in your pee.
Contact a GP immediately if you think your child may have a kidney infection.
If you cannot get a GP appointment and need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest urgent care centre .
If you do not have a local UCC, go to your nearest A& E.
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Evaluating Lower Back And Abdominal Pain
If a person experiences lower back and/or abdominal pain without any other symptoms, then it is not very likely that the cause is bladder cancer.2 However, if you experience symptoms related to urination as well as lower back or abdominal pain, then your healthcare provider will probably perform a series of tests to find out the cause. In patients with lower back or abdominal pain due to bladder cancer, the pain often occurs on only one side of the body.
A physical examination may include an examination of the vagina and/or rectum, and laboratory tests may include a urine test known as urinalysis, as well as other tests on samples of your urine to find out if the symptoms are being caused by an infection, for example. A procedure called cystoscopy may be needed, in which a thin tube-shaped instrument with a tiny camera is inserted into the bladder through the urethra . This can be used to view the inside of the urethra and bladder, and potentially to take small tissue samples if needed for a biopsy to check for signs of cancer cells.
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, then you may need to have further testing to find out if the bladder cancer cells have spread to other organs or other parts of the body. These may include a CT scan, an MRI, x-rays, and bone scans.
Uncommon Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection You Should Know
About 40% of women develop at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. Having one UTI over the span of decades doesnt sound too bad, but not all women are that lucky.
Its estimated that 20-30% of women will have a second UTI within 3-4 months. And for 11% of women, UTIs become an ongoing problem, recurring at least once every year and often more frequently.
UTIs typically cause a specific cluster of symptoms: a strong need to urinate, frequent urination, burning when you urinate, and passing small amounts of urine. Women receive comprehensive care for UTIs at Fred A. Williams, MD, so call the office in Paris, Texas, if you experience any of those symptoms.
Were also available to answer your questions if you develop one or more of these three uncommon symptoms of a UTI.
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Causes Of Kidney Infections
Kidney infections are a result of bacteria entering the kidneys. While there are many causes for a kidney infection, the most common is from a pre-existing infection in the urinary tract, like a bladder infection.
The urinary tract, or urinary system, comprises organs that extract, hold, and transport waste as urine from your system. The organs include two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
Kidneys process blood to produce urine. The urine travels via the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored, waiting to release during the urination process through the urethra. When bacteria end up in the urethra, they can travel to the bladder and cause an infection that turns into a kidney infection when it moves to one or both kidneys.
Infections in the urinary tract are most commonly caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli. About 90 percent of uncomplicated urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli, a bacteria that can be found in the colons of humans and animals as well as their fecal waste. E. coli can spread to the genitals and into the urinary tract through improper wiping or toilet backsplash. Bacterial transfer can also occur during sex.
Other conditions that prevent the natural urine flow can increase the risk that an infection may occur, such as blockages to the ureters from a large kidney stone.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Uti
As a woman, you are especially prone to cystitis because the urethra is shorter and more easily penetrated than in men. This means bacteria can travel more easily into the urinary tract and cause infection. Cystitis can be caused by a urinary infection and/or an infection of the urethra . Cystitis typically causes a burning sensation during urination and an urgent need to urinate..
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How To Get Rid Of Uti Back Pain
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections that infect areas of your urinary system. The urinary system is made up of four parts:
- The kidneys
- The bladder
- The urethra
The urethra is a thin tube that connects the bladder to the outside of your body. When you urinate, the urine flows out of the bladder through the ureters and urethra.
Sometimes bacteria makes its way up the ureters, into your bladder, and sometimes all the way up into your kidneys. This can lead to back pain and is a sign of a serious infection.
Confusion Or Changes In Mental State
The symptoms of UTIs in older adults are often uncommon and complex. For example, seniors may have bacteria in their urine, which indicates a UTI, but not have any of the typical symptoms.
When seniors have a UTI, they often develop confusion, disorientation, and dizziness. These uncommon symptoms most likely arise due to the infections impact on their immune system.
An untreated UTI will only worsen, leading to more severe symptoms, and giving the infection time to spread to your kidneys. If youre not sure your symptoms are due to a UTI, its best to schedule an appointment so we can determine the cause of your symptoms and begin treatment if needed.
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Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Typically, a kidney infection develops after a UTI has already affected your urethra the tube through which urine exits your body and your bladder. This area is known as your lower urinary tract.
If you recognize the earlier signs of a UTI, you can seek treatment and usually avoid a kidney infection. But its possible that your symptoms wont be severe enough to get your attention until the infection has spread to your kidneys.
Whether or not youre also experiencing kidney-specific symptoms, its important to look out for signs of a UTI affecting your lower urinary tract:
Painful Urination Known as dysuria, pain during urination is usually caused by inflammation in the lining of your urethra.
In addition to UTIs, dysuria can be caused by a number of other conditions, including vaginal yeast infections, kidney stones, and sexually transmitted infections .
Frequent Urination A UTI can cause frequent and intense urges to urinate, even when youve recently emptied your bladder.
Thats because an inflamed bladder from your infection may be more sensitive to pressure from your urine, giving you the sensation that your bladder is full even when its not.
Other Home Remedies For Kidney Infections
To alleviate kidney infection pain in the lower back and abdomen areas, you can use hot compresses. Kidney infections can cause the surrounding muscles to spasm and become painful. You can also use heating pads to increase blood flow to speed up healing with increased oxygen levels to the area from the blood cells.
Heat therapy also makes it easier to stretch the soft tissues and decreases stiffness to allow the muscles in the area to relax. Feelings of pain and soreness will also be reduced, even if temporarily.
Bubble baths are not recommended for those with a kidney infection. Frequent baths can remove the protective mucus covering the urethra, and some chemicals present in soaps can cause irritation, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system. .
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Who’s Most Likely To Get A Kidney Infection
Women and children are most at risk of developing a kidney infection, as well as other urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Other factors can also put you more at risk of developing a kidney infection, including:
- having a condition that blocks, or obstructs, your urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate children with constipation can also be at an increased risk
- being born with an abnormality in your urinary tract
- having a condition that prevents you emptying your bladder fully, such as an injury to your spinal cord this can allow bacteria in your bladder to multiply and spread
- having a weakened immune system for example, due to type 2 diabetes or as a side effect of chemotherapy
- having an infection of the prostate gland called prostatitis the infection can spread from the prostate gland into the kidneys
- having a urinary catheter
- being female and sexually active sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra and allow bacteria to travel into your bladder
- being pregnant this can cause physical changes that slow the flow of urine out of your body and make it easier for bacteria to spread to the kidneys
- having undergone female genital mutilation an illegal practice where a woman’s genitals are deliberately cut or changed for cultural, religious and social reasons
When Urinary Tract Infections Keep Coming Back
If you are prone to recurrent UTIs, you can head them off before they take hold.
Unless you’re in the fortunate minority of women who have never had a urinary tract infection , you know the symptoms well. You might feel a frequent urgency to urinate yet pass little urine when you go. Your urine might be cloudy, blood-tinged, and strong-smelling. For 25% to 30% of women who’ve had a urinary tract infection, the infection returns within six months.
If you have repeated UTIs, you’ve experienced the toll they take on your life. However, you may take some comfort in knowing that they aren’t likely to be the result of anything you’ve done. “Recurrent UTIs aren’t due to poor hygiene or something else that women have brought on themselves. Some women are just prone to UTIs,” says infectious diseases specialist Dr. Kalpana Gupta, a lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School.
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When Do Uti Occur In Women
- Monthly cystitis is a common condition that can cause UTI and related backache. Numerous women have the tendency to get bladder infections each time they have sexual intercourse, according to iytmed.com. Those using a diaphragm for birth control are likewise at greater risk from such infections.
- Patients with weak body immune system, senior or disable patients using catheters are likewise at a risk from recurring UTIs.
- Women who use douches, fragrant shower gels or other personal womanly hygiene products can also increase the chances of developing UTIs.
- Menopause and pregnancy are two other conditions that might cause UTIs due to hormonal changes.
- Women who do not drink sufficient fluids are unconsciously increasing their UTI dangers.
- Likewise, holding the urine for longer periods or having a tendency of developing kidney stones can likewise cause UTI back pain on the left side of the body.
- Similarly, men with bigger prostate or those with kidney stones can likewise establish bladder infection and subsequent pain in the back side.
What Is Kidney Infection Back Pain
Lower back pain or flank pain can result from kidney problems, but it could also be the result of any of the following:
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to lower back pain, including:
- Long periods of immobility
However, if you are experiencing lower back pain along with frequent urination, blood in the urine, fever, or chills, you may have a kidney infectionback pain. This is a condition where the cause of the back pain is a kidney infection, also known as Pyelonephritis.
Under normal conditions, the urinary tract works as part of the system that cleans the blood. The kidneys are capable of filtering 150 quarts of water and waste from the blood each day. The filtering process produces one to two quarts of urine which are stored in the bladder until removed through urination.
The kidneys serve other functions as well. They balance electrolytes, regulate red blood cells, and maintain blood pressure.
To avoid potentially serious complications, an infection of the kidneys should receive immediate medical attention.
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Can Kidney Infections Be Prevented
You can reduce your chances of developing a kidney infection by keeping your bladder and urethra free from bacteria. This can include drinking plenty of fluids, keeping your genitals clean and treating any constipation.
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually develop quite quickly over a few hours or days.
Common symptoms include:
- pain and discomfort in your side, lower back or around your genitals
- high temperature
- shivering or chills
- feeling very weak or tired
- loss of appetite
You may have other symptoms if you also have cystitis or urethritis . These additional symptoms may include:
- pain or a burning sensation during urination
- need to urinate frequently or urgently
- feeling that you’re unable to urinate fully
- blood in your urine
- cloudy or foul smelling urine
- pain in your lower abdomen
How Do I Know If My Uti Is Now A Kidney Infection
UTI is an abbreviation for ureteral tract infection, the group of bacterial infections that affect any part of the urinary system. The most common symptom of UTI is pain when urinating, which is caused by the bacterial infection and blocked urine. Most UTI occur in the bladder, but sometimes can spread to the kidney and ureter, though in this case the symptoms are much more serious. The symptoms of UTI also include blood in the urine, burning sensation during urination, and frequent urination. If you have one or any of the symptoms of UTI, you should see a doctor or a kidney specialist in order to get diagnosis and proper treatment..
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Take The Signs Seriously
UTIs can happen at almost any age in women and at an elderly age in men. Researchers are still searching for the root cause. Until then, take preventative measures to reduce the chances of the condition. For people suspecting a UTI, seek help from a doctor. If the symptoms evolve into back pain, the kidneys are infected. At that point, get medical treatment immediately.
When To See Your Doctor
See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency — but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.
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What Should You Take For Uti Pain
UTIs are best treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. However, there are some preventative and comfort measures you can do at home to alleviate UTI pain while you wait for antibiotics to kick in.
Drinking liberal amounts of fluids daily will flush out the bacteria. It may be helpful to drink pure cranberry juice because it contains an ingredient called A-type proanthocyanidins that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
It is best to avoid coffee, tea, colas, alcohol, and other fluids that are known to irritate the urinary system.
Taking a vitamin C supplement may also help with UTIs because it makes your urine more acidic.
When To Seek Medical Advice
Contact your GP if you have a high temperature, persistent pain, or if you notice a change to your usual pattern of urination. Contact your GP immediately if you think your child may have a kidney infection.
If you have blood in your urine, you should always see your GP so the cause can be investigated.
Kidney infections require prompt treatment with antibiotics to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications developing.
Your GP can carry out some simple tests to help diagnose a kidney infection.
See diagnosing kidney infections for more information
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