Kidney Infection

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Overview

The kidneys are an important component of the urinary system. These organs process blood; filter out waste; and flush out waste as urine, which travels to the bladder through tubes called ureters and is eliminated from the body through the urethra. The kidneys also keep certain chemicals balanced and produce hormones that help maintain blood pressure, red blood cell count, and healthy bones.

Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, often results when a bacterial infection moves from the lower urinary tract (e.g., bladder, urethra) to the kidneys. While kidney infections are not as common as other urinary tract infections (UTIs), they are more serious and require prompt medical attention.

Risk Factors and Causes

Kidney infections usually begin as lower urinary tract infections, which can involve a backflow of infected urine. Bacteria multiply in the bladder and then travel to the kidneys. In some cases, bacteria enter the kidneys through the bloodstream or through the use of medical equipment (e.g., catheter, cystoscope).

Women are more likely to develop kidney infections than men because of their physical makeup. In women, the urethra is shorter, which allows bacteria to spread to the bladder, and eventually, the kidneys, more quickly.

Also, the urethral opening is closer to the anus (opening of the rectum) in women, allowing bacteria to spread from the anus to the urethra easier. Sexually active women are at additional risk for kidney infections, particularly if they use contraceptive methods that can carry bacteria (e.g., diaphragm, spermicides).

The elderly and patients who have diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS are at increased risk for developing kidney infections.

Other risk factors include the following:

• Conditions such as kidney stones or BPH (enlarged prostate), which make it more difficult for the body to manage urine flow
• Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the urinary tract
• Patient history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or a certain type of bacteria
• Spinal cord injury (may prevent patients from experiencing pain and other symptoms of kidney infection)
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR; causes urine to back up from the bladder into the kidneys)

Kidney Infection Resources

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