Terrie

As usual, Diabetics are more prone to infections such as the
urinary tract infections(UTI).

Kidney infection being one of them.

What is a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)?

Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection, usually from bacteria
that have spread from the bladder.


What causes a kidney infection?

Possible causes of infection include the following:

-infections in the bladder
-use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder
-use of a cystoscope to examine the bladder and urethra
-surgery on the urinary tract
-conditions such as prostate enlargement and kidney stones
that prevent the efficient flow of urine from the bladder

What are the symptoms of kidney infection?

Symptoms and signs include:

-back, side, and groin pain;
-urgent, frequent urination;
-pain or burning during urination;
-fever over 101 degrees;
-nausea and vomiting; and
-pus and blood in the urine.

How is kidney infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made with a urine test to identify bacteria and
formations of white blood cells, called casts, shaped like tubes
in the kidneys. If an infection cannot be easily cured, x rays
might be done to look for abnormalities in the kidneys, ureters,
and bladder.


What is the treatment for kidney infection?

A kidney infection is treated with an appropriate antibiotic, and
abnormalities may need to be surgically treated.

An untreated or recurrent kidney infection can lead to chronic
pyelonephritis, scarring of the kidneys, and permanent kidney
damage.

If not looked after, it can lead to a blood infection and death.
----

I had that pleasure last year. My symptoms were minor and I
didn't have all of the listed symptoms. The Dr. gave me anti-biotics
that should have worked but didn't. I ended up with bad chills
and I had a fever of 105.2. I collapsed in the entrance where
my husband found me and called 911.

They did lots of tests and gave me another anti-biotic. The
extended test came back the next morning and showed the
infection had gone into my blood. They took me off that oral
anti-biotic and infused 2 different liquid anti-biotics right after
each other through an IV. Then they put me on another oral
anti-biotic for 2 weeks.

You sure have to watch for those little signs and symptoms.