Pyelonephritis
A kidney infection happens when bacteria infects your kidneys. The bacteria are usually a type calledE. coli, which live inyour bowel.
The bacteriaget inthrough the opening of the urethraand move upwards through your urinary tract, first infecting your bladder and then your kidneys.
It's thought the bacteria can get into your urinary tract byaccidentally spreading from your anus to your urethra. This can happen if you wipe your bottom after going to the toilet and the soiled toilet paper comes into contact with your genitals. It can also happen during sex.
In rare cases, a kidney infection can develop if bacteria or fungi infect the skin and the infection spreads through your bloodstream into your kidney. However, this type of infection usually only occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
Women and children are most at risk of developing a kidney infection, as well as other urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as Cystitis .
In women, the urethra is closer to the anus than in men, making it easier for bacteria from the anus toenter the urethra accidentally. The female urethra is also much shorter than the male urethra (which runs through the penis). This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and move into the kidneys.
Otherfactors can also put you more at risk of developing a kidney infection, including:
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a painful and unpleasant illness caused by bacteria travelling from your bladder into one or both of your kidneys
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually develop quite quickly over a few hours or days.
A kidney infection happens when bacteria enters and infects one or both of your kidneys.
To work out if you have a kidney infection, your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your recent medical history.
Most people with a kidney infection can be treated at home by taking a course of antibiotics, and possibly painkillers as well.
Most kidney infections are treated successfully without any complications, although some people may develop further problems.
The best way to prevent a kidney infection is to keep your bladder and urethra free from bacteria.