KIDNEY infections (also known as pyelonephritis) are a type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys are infected. It may cause great discomfort and damage to the body if left untreated. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what causes the infection, what the symptoms are, and how they can be treated. As a personal and painful illness, understanding the various resources available to you for a convenient and comprehensive diagnosis, including telemedicine, can be particularly useful.

What causes a kidney infection?

Usually, a kidney infection is caused by a bacteria known as E. coli. When this bacteria gets into the tube that carries urine outside of your body (known as the urethra) it may travel up to your bladder, sometimes causing a bladder infection. When this bacteria travels further up into your kidneys it causes a kidney infection.

Women are more prone to developing kidney infections because their urethra is shorter, and they are more likely to have urinary tract infections (UTI). Men who have contracted a UTI are more prone to developing further infection since this is typically not a frequent occurrence; they may be referred to a specialist for further treatment.

Kidney infections may develop without any association to a UTI. If you have kidney stones, diabetes or a weakened immune system, you are at a higher risk of developing a kidney infection.

What are the symptoms of a kidney infection?

Symptoms of a kidney infection come on very quickly and won’t take long to show after infection. You may have common symptoms that are associated with a UTI so it’s important to ensure you are not misdiagnosed.

Symptoms of a UTI that are also symptoms of a kidney infection include:

● Needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual

● Pain or burning sensation when peeing

● Smelly or cloudy pee

● Blood in your pee.

Distinguishing symptoms of a kidney infection that separate it from a UTI are:

● Persistent pain and discomfort in your side, lower back and/ or genitals

● A fever

● Shivering and chills

● Feeling weak or tired

● Loss of appetite

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

How do you treat a kidney infection?

If caught right away, a kidney infection can be treated with antibiotics. You may feel better soon after beginning antibiotics treatment, however, it is crucial to take the medication as prescribed and until it is finished, even if you feel better. If a kidney infection is not treated, or not treated properly, it may get worse and cause permanent kidney damage or spread to your bloodstream.

Moreover, painkillers, specifically paracetamol (such as Panadol) can be used to treat the discomfort and symptoms of pain or fever brought on by your infection.

Most people who are treated quickly will feel completely better in approximately two weeks. If you have an autoimmune disease or are older in age, it may take longer to feel better as your immune system is weakened.

How can telemedicine aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a kidney infection?

If you have symptoms of a UTI that have not improved over a few days, or you have blood in your pee, you should reach out to your doctor immediately. Telemedicine allows you the opportunity to speak to a doctor at your convenience without having to disrupt your daily schedule or force you to sit in discomfort in a waiting room.

You will be able to consult with a doctor who will ask you about your symptoms and medical history to assess if you have a kidney infection; they may also assess if you need to do additional in-person testing to fully diagnose if you have a kidney infection. In-person assessments may include a urine test to see if you have a UTI. Doctors may send you lab testing forms via telemedicine platforms, as well as prescriptions. It then serves as the perfect starting point for treatment and diagnosis.

Your doctor will tailor a treatment specifically for you and your symptoms so it is important that you discuss all your symptoms. Telemedicine allows you to talk to your doctor via text, audio and video call to give you the opportunity to communicate in whatever way is most comfortable for you.

Additionally, through telemedicine your doctor can give you advice on how to prevent getting a kidney infection. Some of these tips include:

● Drinking a lot of fluids

● Not holding urine in your bladder, thus going to the bathroom when you need to

● Urinating after sex

● Washing your genitals everyday

● (For women) wiping from front to back after peeing.

Kidney infections cause great discomfort but digital health-care platforms such as MDLink provide a useful, convenient and comprehensive means to support you through your illness.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company’s website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.