How to Lessen the Likelihood of Kidney Infection

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Kidney infections result from excess bacteria that have built up in the kidney. Doctors also call them pyelonephritis. Kidney infections can require hospitalization to treat severe symptoms, and so home remedies alone usually are not enough to treat them.

Kidney infections are often the most serious of urinary tract infections (UTIs) because they have the most potential to damage the kidneys and spread to other body areas. Other UTIs may affect the bladder, ureters, or urethra, but are less likely to cause as significant damage.

Most people require antibiotics to reduce the bacterial overgrowth causing the condition. However, home remedies alongside these may help the body clear the kidney infection as quickly as possible.

If a person suspects they have a kidney infection, they should see their doctor straight away.

Share on Pinterest People should not rely solely on home remedies, such as cranberry juice, to treat kidney infections.

Home remedies alone as a treatment for kidney infections are not a good idea.

Kidney infections can cause severe symptoms and lead to kidney damage, and so a person will need antibiotics to treat the infection.

However, a person can use home remedies to support their recovery further and reduce the likelihood that the kidney infection will come back.

Before taking any supplements as a home remedy, a person should check with their doctor to make sure they do not interfere with any other medications they are taking.

The following are some home remedies and self-care tips that may help reduce kidney infection symptoms:

Drink plenty of water

Flushing bacteria from the kidneys is an important goal when a person has a kidney infection. Drinking at least six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day can help, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

If a person has kidney failure, they may need to decrease this amount of fluid based on their doctor’s recommendations.

Drink cranberry juice

The idea of drinking cranberry juice to boost kidney health is controversial among some experts. However, some studies support the idea that cranberry juice may help to reduce the number of bacteria when a person has a UTI.

A 2018 study in mice in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that mice with UTIs that drank cranberry juice had reduced bacterial counts in their urinary tract.

The researchers theorized that acids present in cranberry juice, such as malic, citric, and quinic acid, had a protective effect in the urinary tract.

While this remedy may seem basic, it does have benefits. Getting plenty of rest allows the body to heal after a kidney infection.

Use warm, moist heat

Applying a heating pad or a warm water bottle to areas of flank pain can help to soothe irritated nerves and reduce pain.

A person should always cover the heated object with a cloth to reduce the risks for burns. They should also only apply heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Heating pads are available to purchase in stores and online.

Take green tea extract or drink green tea

A 2013 study in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology suggests that taking green tea extract may have an antibacterial effect on common bacteria strains known to cause UTIs.

The researchers took green tea extracts and applied them to bacterial cultures in a laboratory. Over time, they found the green tea inhibited bacterial growth.

Because the study was in a laboratory and involved samples, it is hard to know if the results would be the same in humans. However, the possibility remains that green tea could have potential health benefits when a person has a UTI.

Green tea extract is available to purchase in stores and online.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers, but avoid aspirin

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can reduce fever and discomfort caused by a kidney infection.

It is best to avoid aspirin as it is a blood thinner and may cause elevated levels of blood in a person’s urine.

If a person is unsure whether or not they can take a specific OTC pain reliever, they should speak to their doctor.

Last Updated: October 8, 2020

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After you have been accurately diagnosed and treated by a licensed health care practitioner, there are a number of things you can do to keep your urinary tract healthy and free of infection.

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You can lower your risk of a kidney infection by taking steps to prevent UTIs, and by treating them right away if they occur.

You can lower your risk of a kidney infection by taking steps to prevent UTIs, and by treating them right away if they occur.

Kidney infections usually happen when a urinary tract infection (UTI) develops in your lower urinary tract — your urethra and bladder — then spreads to your kidneys.

Most UTIs occur when bacteria in your digestive tract, usually E. coli, enter your urethra, the tube through which urine exits your body. From there, it can enter and infect your bladder.

Usually, potentially harmful bacteria are flushed out of your urethra and bladder by urine, and no infection occurs. But for a number of reasons, sometimes this flushing isn’t effective, and a UTI develops.

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, seeking prompt evaluation and treatment can help prevent your infection from spreading to your kidneys.

You can also take a number of steps to prevent a UTI from developing in the first place, from drinking lots of water to ensuring proper hygiene in your urethral area. (1,2,3)

Treating a UTI Early to Prevent Complications

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to see your healthcare provider as early as possible to get the infection treated and lower the risk of its spreading to your kidneys.

The most common symptoms of a UTI in your lower urinary tract include:

• Burning or painful urination
• Intense urge to urinate
• Frequent need to urinate, even when your bladder isn’t full

If your doctor finds that you have a UTI based on your symptoms and one or more urine tests, you’ll be given a course of antibiotics as treatment.

The dose and length of this course may vary depending on the type of infection you have and your medical history. Men may also need to take antibiotics longer, since bacteria can be present deep inside your prostate gland (which surrounds your urethra).

It’s important to take the entire prescribed course of your antibiotics, since harmful bacteria may still be present even after you start to feel better. This helps ensure that your infection doesn’t recur or spread to your kidneys. (4)

Preventing a UTI in the First Place

Because most kidney infections begin as UTIs that affect your urethra and bladder, preventing a UTI in the first place can help prevent kidney infections.

While scientists are still learning about all the factors that contribute to UTIs, the following steps can help you avoid an infection:

Drink lots of water. Liquids that you drink turn into urine, which flushes harmful bacteria out of your urinary tract. Water is the best fluid to drink for healthy urination, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Most healthy people should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. You may need more than this, though, if the weather is hot or if you’re physically active and sweat a lot.

If you can’t drink this much water because of a health condition, like bladder control problems, kidney disease, or heart disease, talk to your doctor about how to make sure you stay hydrated and are urinating enough to keep your urinary tract healthy.

Wipe from front to back. For women, wiping from front to back after using the toilet helps ensure that bacteria from your anal region don’t enter your urethra.

While this is a good practice to follow after urinating, it’s especially important if you’ve had a bowel movement.

Urinate when you feel the urge. “Holding it” for long periods means that your urine sits in place longer, which raises the risk of an infection developing.

You should aim to urinate at least every three to four hours, and ideally more often. You’re less likely to be tempted to hold your urine, of course, if you drink water regularly throughout the day.

Urinate after having sex. For both men and women, urinating after sexual activity helps ensure that any bacteria that was introduced into your urethra is promptly flushed out of your body.

Don’t practice irritating “feminine hygiene.” Some products that are marketed to women as ways to clean or freshen your genital area, like deodorant sprays or douches, can actually be irritating and increase your risk of an infection.

Instead, simply clean the outside of your genital area with mild soap and water. (1,2)

Wear loose-fitting clothing. Wearing light, breathable, loose-fitting clothing can allow the area around your urethra to receive good airflow and stay dry, potentially limiting bacterial growth.

Reconsider birth control methods. Certain birth control methods may raise the risk of developing a UTI, particularly for women, including:

• Diaphragms
• Unlubricated condoms
• Spermicides

Lubricated condoms are a good alternative to unlubricated ones, and nonspermicidal lubricants can be used instead of spermicides.

It’s particularly important to reconsider using these methods if you develop UTIs repeatedly. (4)

Addressing Underlying Problems That Raise Your Risk

Sometimes, your risk of developing a kidney infection may be higher because of an underlying health condition in your urinary tract, such as:

• Kidney stones
• An enlarged prostate
• A narrowed urethra

In many cases, getting appropriate treatment for these conditions may reduce your risk of developing a UTI or kidney infection.

Smaller kidney stones may be treated by drinking large amounts of water, or by taking drugs (known as alpha-blockers) to help you pass the stone. Larger kidney stones may need to be broken up using sound waves, or removed through surgery. (5)

An enlarged prostate may respond to various drugs, or it may benefit from minimally invasive surgery. (6)

If you have a structural abnormality, like a misshapen area of your urinary tract, you may be at greater risk for repeated UTIs.

If imaging scans reveal certain abnormalities when you’re having a kidney infection diagnosed, once your treatment is over, you may be referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) or urologist to be evaluated for surgery to help prevent a future infection. (2)

When bacteria get into your kidneys, it can cause an infection. The bacteria that cause kidney infections usually come from another part of your urinary tract, such as your bladder, ureters or urethra. Kidney infections can affect one kidney at a time or both of your kidneys at the same time. It is very important to treat kidney infections as soon as possible. Kidney infections that are not treated soon enough can cause permanent kidney damage or can spread to other parts of your body and cause an even more serious infection.

Who gets kidney infections?

Anyone can get a kidney infection, but some people are more likely than others to get them. You are more likely to get a kidney infection if you:

• Have a bladder infection. An infection in the bladder can spread to the kidneys.
• Are a woman. Women get kidney infections more often than men do. This is because of the way the female body is built. In women, the urethra (the part of your urinary tract where your urine exits your body) is shorter than it is in men. Having a shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to get into your body and travel up your urinary tract. The urethra is also closer to the vagina and anus in women than it is in men. Bacteria can spread from the vagina and anus to the urethra, and then travel up the urinary tract.
• Have a problem with the shape of your urinary tract that makes it harder for urine to pass through
• Have a blockage in your urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate (in men)
• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes
• Have a weakened immune system. This could be caused by a disease, such as diabetes or HIV, or by certain medicines called immunosuppressants. People who have had a kidney transplant or other organ transplant take immunosuppressants.
• Have nerve or spinal cord damage that keeps you from feeling pain in the area of your body where your bladder and urethra are. Not being able to feel pain in this area can keep you from noticing symptoms of a bladder infection. A bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection if left untreated.
• Use a catheter to drain urine from your bladder
• Have a health problem called vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). A normal urinary tract only allows urine to flow down the ureters into the bladder. People with VUR have urinary tracts that allow urine to flow backwards, up the ureters, which can lead to kidney infections.

What are the symptoms of kidney infection?

If you have a kidney infection, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Pain in your back, side(s) or groin
• Chills
• Nausea
• Urinating (peeing) often
• Feeling like you have to urinate (pee) often, even if you just went
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pus (thick, white/yellow liquid) or blood in your urine
• Cloudy or bad-smelling urine

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. If you are currently taking medicine to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI), but you are still having any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.

If your health care provider thinks you might have a kidney infection, he or she might ask you for a urine sample to look or bacteria or other signs of infection. You might also need to have a blood test or imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan.

What is the treatment for a kidney infection?

Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. Your health care provider may tell you to take an antibiotic medicine that treats the most common types of infections, until your urine can be looked at to figure out the exact type of infection you have. Once your urine test results are available, your health care provider might tell you to take a different type of antibiotic, depending on the type of infection you have.

If you have a very serious infection, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive treatment.

If your kidney infection was caused by a problem with the shape of your urinary tract, you may need to have surgery to correct the problem and prevent future kidney infections.

How can I prevent kidney infections?

You may be able to lower your chances of getting a kidney infection by:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Urinating as soon as you feel the need to do so
• Urinating after having sex
• Wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom, if you are a woman. This helps to keep bacteria from your vagina or anus from getting into your urethra.
• Avoiding the use of deodorant sprays or douches in your genital area.

Germs are a part of everyday life and are found in our air, soil, water, and in and on our bodies. Some germs are helpful, others are harmful. Many germs live in and on our bodies without causing harm and some even help us to stay healthy. Only a small portion of germs are known to cause infection.

An infection occurs when germs enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction of the body.

Three things are necessary for an infection to occur:

• Source: Places where infectious agents (germs) live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin)
• Susceptible Person with a way for germs to enter the body
• Transmission: a way germs are moved to the susceptible persont

Click on a tab below to learn more.

• Source
• Susceptible Person
• Transmission

A Source is an infectious agent or germ and refers to a virus, bacteria, or other microbe.

In healthcare settings, germs are found in many places. People are one source of germs including:

• Patients
• Healthcare workers
• Visitors and household members

People can be sick with symptoms of an infection or colonized with germs (not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others).
Germs are also found in the healthcare environment. Examples of environmental sources of germs include:

• Dry surfaces in patient care areas (e.g., bed rails, medical equipment, countertops, and tables)
• Wet surfaces, moist environments, and biofilms (e.g., cooling towers, faucets and sinks, and equipment such as ventilators)
• Indwelling medical devices (e.g., catheters and IV lines)
• Dust or decaying debris (e.g., construction dust or wet materials from water leaks)

A susceptible person is someone who is not vaccinated or otherwise immune, or a person with a weakened immune system who has a way for the germs to enter the body. For an infection to occur, germs must enter a susceptible person’s body and invade tissues, multiply, and cause a reaction.

Devices like IV catheters and surgical incisions can provide an entryway, whereas a healthy immune system helps fight infection.

When patients are sick and receive medical treatment in healthcare facilities, the following factors can increase their susceptibility to infection.

• Patients in healthcare who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and organ transplantation are at increased risk for infection because often these illnesses decrease the immune system’s ability to fight infection.
• Certain medications used to treat medical conditions, such as antibiotics, steroids, and certain cancer fighting medications increase the risk of some types of infections.
• Lifesaving medical treatments and procedures used in healthcare such as urinary catheters, tubes, and surgery increase the risk of infection by providing additional ways that germs can enter the body.

Recognizing the factors that increase patients’ susceptibility to infection allows providers to recognize risks and perform basic infection prevention measures to prevent infection from occurring.

Transmission refers to the way germs are moved to the susceptible person.

Germs don’t move themselves. Germs depend on people, the environment, and/or medical equipment to move in healthcare settings.

There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings – through contact (i.e., touching), sprays and splashes, inhalation, and sharps injuries (i.e., when someone is accidentally stuck with a used needle or sharp instrument).

• Contact moves germs by touch (example: MRSA or VRE). For example, healthcare provider hands become contaminated by touching germs present on medical equipment or high touch surfaces and then carry the germs on their hands and spread to a susceptible person when proper hand hygiene is not performed before touching the susceptible person.
• Sprays and splashes occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, creating droplets which carry germs short distances (within approximately 6 feet). These germs can land on a susceptible person’s eyes, nose, or mouth and can cause infection (example: pertussis or meningitis).
  • Close range inhalation occurs when a droplet containing germs is small enough to breathe in but not durable over distance.
• Inhalation occurs when germs are aerosolized in tiny particles that survive on air currents over great distances and time and reach a susceptible person. Airborne transmission can occur when infected patients cough, talk, or sneeze germs into the air (example: TB or measles), or when germs are aerosolized by medical equipment or by dust from a construction zone (example: Nontuberculous mycobacteria or aspergillus).
• Sharps injuries can lead to infections (example: HIV, HBV, HCV) when bloodborne pathogens enter a person through a skin puncture by a used needle or sharp instrument.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot always be prevented, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of getting the condition.

Following the advice below can reduce your risk.

Manage underlying conditions

If you have a long-term condition that could lead to CKD, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important this is managed carefully.

Follow the advice of your GP, take any medicine you’re prescribed and keep all appointments relating to your condition.

Stop smoking

Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks or strokes, which is associated with a higher risk of CKD.

Stopping smoking will improve your general health and reduce your risk of these serious conditions.

The NHS Smokfree helpline can offer you advice and encouragement to help you quit smoking. Call 0300 123 1044 or visit the NHS Smokefree website.

Healthy diet

A healhy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of kidney disease by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at a healthy level.

A balanced diet should include:

• plenty of fruit and vegetables – aim for at least 5 portions a day
• meals that include starchy foods, such as potatoes, wholegrain bread, rice or pasta
• some dairy or dairy alternatives
• some beans or pulses, fish, eggs, or meat as a source of protein
• low levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar

You may also be given advice about dietary changes that can specifically help with kidney disease, such as limiting the amount of potassium or phosphate in your diet.

Manage alcohol intake

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rise to unhealthy levels.

Sticking to the recommended alcohol limit is the best way to reduce your risk:

• men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week
• spread your drinking over 3 days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week

14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.

Find out more about alcohol units.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise should help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.

At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week is recommended, as well as strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).

Be careful with painkillers

Kidney disease can be caused by taking too many non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or taking them for longer than recommended.

If you need to take painkillers, make sure you follow the instructions that come with the medicine.

Kidney risk calculator

There is a calculator you can use to work out your risk of developing moderate to severe kidney disease over the next 5 years. You just need to answer some simple questions.

The calculator is only valid if you do not already have a diagnosis of CKD stage 3b or worse. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.

You may wish to use the tool during your next GP or practice nurse consultation.

Page last reviewed: 29 August 2019
Next review due: 29 August 2022

Personal hygiene and changes in sex practices are key

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• Overview
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Coping

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may not only make you feel miserable, but it can cause serious problems if left untreated. With as many as 60% of women likely to get a UTI some point   (and upwards of 15 percent of men), prevention is key to avoiding the persistent and sometimes severe complications of infection. While safer sex and good genital hygiene are central to preventing a UTI, there are other practices that may help if you are prone to recurrent infection.

General Tips

The primary aim is to avoid the introduction of harmful bacteria into the urinary tract, either as a result of bathroom habits or sexual activity. The secondary aim is to maintain your urinary tract health and make it far less vulnerable to infection.

Women are four times more likely to get a urinary tract infection than men.

Everyone can benefit from the same prevention tips, including:

• Cleanse your genitals before and after sex. Warm water and a plain, mild soap will generally do the trick. Avoid harsh cleansers or scented soaps, which can cause inflammation of the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body).
• Urinate immediately after sex. Doing so helps flush bacteria and other microbes out of the urinary tract.  
• Wash your rectum daily. Regular washing prevents bacteria from spreading from residual fecal matter, often trapped in skin folds, to adjacent tissues.
• Drinks lots of water. By regularly flushing the urinary tract, bacteria will have a harder time establishing an infection. Aim to drink several glasses of water per day (or roughly a half gallon).  
• Don’t hold your urine. This allows any bacteria circulating in the bladder to establish an infection. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need and be sure to empty your bladder completely.

In Women

The risk of UTI in women is greater due, in part, to the influences of the natural bacteria in the vagina. The “good” Lactobacillus bacteria found in the vaginal flora help maintain the ideal acidity (pH 3.8 to 4.5) to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Disrupting this balance can promote infection and make a UTI all the more likely.

Among the most effective ways to prevent a UTI:

• Avoid douching. Douching only strips away the vaginal flora and creates the ideal environment for a bacterial infection.  
• Choose showers over baths. Bathing can alter vaginal pH and introduce soap residue and other chemicals into the vagina. If using a washcloth, clean the genital area first and the anus after. If using a hand shower, point it in a downward direction over the vagina rather than into the vagina directly.
• Avoid harsh or scented soaps. Instead, go for milder soaps like Dove Sensitive or Cetaphil. Scented products of any sort can irritate vaginal tissues, including feminine hygiene sprays, bubble bath, perfumed bath oils, scented powders, scented tampons, and scented pads.
• Wipe from front to back. After urinating, tilt your body forward and, reaching between your buttocks, starting wiping from the front of the vagina to the back. When you are finished, take a separate piece of paper to clean the anus, starting at the perineum (the space between the vagina and anus) and wiping back between your buttocks. Doing so prevents introducing bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
• Use condoms. Even if you are in a monogamous relationship, condoms can prevent the transmission of bacteria during vaginal intercourse.   Avoid unlubricated condoms, which can stress vaginal tissues, and spermicidal lubricants (like nonoxynol-9), which can trigger vaginal inflammation. Flavored condoms and lubricants are also a no-no as they are infused with sugars that promote bacterial growth and flavorants that cause irritation.
• Avoid using a diaphragm, especially if you are prone to urinary tract infections. A diaphragm can promote the growth of coliform bacteria like E. coli.   Consider switching to alternate forms of contraception, such as the Pill or condoms.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear. Synthetic fabrics, by contrast, trap in moisture and create the perfect breeding ground for infection. If you are prone to UTIs, wear loose-fitting bottoms that allow air to circulate around the vagina. At night, you can either sleep without underwear or wear loose-fitting boxers or shorts.
• Try probiotics. Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt and over-the-counter nutritional supplements, not only help maintain healthy digestive flora but can promote the same in the vagina.
• Drink cranberry juice. In addition to water, drinking a daily glass of cranberry juice may lower your risk of recurrent infection.   Avoid sweetened cranberry juice, as the excess sugar can promote bacterial growth in the vagina. Cranberry supplements are also available.

In Men

Urinary tract infections in men differ from women in that they are less commonly caused by sex. The only exception may be anal sex in which fecal matter can be introduced into the male urethra.

UTIs in men are primarily associated with age and are caused by physiological changes that prevent the bladder from fully emptying (such as an enlarged prostate) or interfere with bowel control.

In addition to following general prevention tips, men can reduce their risk of a UTI by adhering to these practices:

• Use condoms when engaging in anal sex. Avoid oil-based lubricants, which can cause condom breakage, and instead opt for a water-based lubricant that neither contains spermicides nor a numbing agent like lidocaine.
• Wash under your foreskin if you are uncircumcised. The tissue beneath the foreskin can be a breeding ground for bacteria unless cleaned daily.   Failure to do so can lead to urethral inflammation and the increased risk of infection.
• Keep your genitals dry. Wear cotton underwear and change them daily (or more frequently if they get sweaty or you experience bowel or bladder leakage).
• Take your prostate medications as prescribed. Doing so can improve your urinary flow and reduce the risk of infection. Be sure to keep your kidneys working by drinking plenty of water. If your prostate drugs aren’t working as well as they should, speak with your doctor.

In Children

Many of these infections can be avoided by teaching your child about hygiene and other healthy habits.

Urinary tract infections are common in children, especially girls.

Among the considerations, children should be taught to:

Did you know that one in ten people will have a kidney stone over the course of a lifetime? Recent studies have shown that kidney stone rates are on the rise across the country. Those in the know believe that some major misconceptions may be the culprit.

The National Kidney Foundation has teamed up with Dr. Allan Jhagroo, a kidney stone specialist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, to help you stay stone-free by debunking some of the major kidney stone myths and misconceptions.

Don’t Underestimate Your Sweat.

Saunas, hot yoga and heavy exercise may be good for your health, but they also may lead to kidney stones. Why? Loss of water through sweating – whether due to these activities or just the heat of summer—leads to less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract.

One of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones is to drink plenty of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So, be sure to keep well hydrated, especially when engaging in exercise or activities that cause a lot of sweating.

It’s Not Just the Oxalate.

Oxalate is naturally found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains, legumes, and even chocolate and tea. Some examples of foods that contain high levels of oxalate include: peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Moderating intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones, the leading type of kidney stones.

A common misconception is that cutting the oxalate-rich foods in your diet alone will reduce the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. While in theory this might be true, this approach isn’t smart from an overall health perspective. Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium while urine is produced by the kidneys.

It is important to eat and drink calcium and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. In doing so, oxalate and calcium are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before the kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones will form.

Calcium is Not the Enemy.

But it tends to get a bad rap! Most likely due to its name and composition, many are under the impression that calcium is the main culprit in calcium-oxalate stones. “I still see patients who wonder why they are getting recurring stones despite cutting down on their calcium intake,” said Dr. Jhagroo. “I’ve even had patients say that their doctors told them to reduce their calcium intake.” A diet low in calcium actually increases one’s risk of developing kidney stones.

Don’t reduce the calcium. Work to cut back on the sodium in your diet and to pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods.

It’s Not One and Done.

Passing a kidney stone is often described as one of the most painful experiences a person can have, but unfortunately, it’s not always a one-time event. Studies have shown that having even one stone greatly increases your chances of having another. “Most people will want to do anything they can to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” said Dr. Jhagroo. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case that people make the changes they need to after their first stone event.”

Research conducted by Dr. Jhagroo shows that those with kidney stones do not always heed the advice of their nephrologists and urinary specialists. About 15% of kidney stone patients didn’t take prescribed medications and 41% did not follow the nutritional advice that would keep stones from recurring. Without the right medications and diet adjustments, stones can come back, and recurring kidney stones also could be an indicator of other problems, including kidney disease.

When Life Hands You Kidney Stones.

And as the saying goes, “make lemonade.” It’s important to consider dietary remedies alongside prescription medications.

Next time you drive past a lemonade stand, consider your kidneys. Chronic kidney stones are often treated with an alkali (less acidic) citrate, such as potassium citrate to help prevent certain stones, if urine citrate is low and urine pH levels are too low (or too acidic). Citrus juices do contain citrate (citric acid), but large amounts might be needed. Also, be careful of sugar. Lemon juice concentrate (4 oz per day) mixed with water can be considered. Alkali citrate can be prescribed and is available over-the-counter. Alkali citrate can be given with a mineral(s), such as sodium, potassium or magnesium to help prevent stone formation. The aim is to increase urine citrate (for prevention of calcium stones) and increase urine pH (or make urine less acidic or more alkaline, for prevention of uric acid and cystine stones). The goal is to keep pH in balance. Speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional about which treatment options are right for you, including over-the-counter products and home remedies. People with kidney disease may need to watch their intake of sodium, potassium or other minerals, depending on the stage of kidney disease or other factors.

Not All Stones are Created Equal.

In addition to calcium oxalate stones, another common type of kidney stones is uric acid stones. Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical compound known as purines. “High purine intake leads to a higher production of uric acid and produces a larger acid load for the kidneys to excrete,” said Dr. Jhagroo. Higher uric acid excretion leads to lower overall urine pH, which means the urine is more acidic. The high acid concentration of the urine makes it easier for uric acid stones to form.

To prevent uric acid stones, cut down on high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, and follow a healthy diet that contains mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low fat dairy products. Limit sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those that contain high fructose corn syrup. Limit alcohol because it can increase uric acid levels in the blood and avoid crash diets for the same reason..Eating less animal-based protein and eating more fruits and vegetables will help decrease urine acidity and this will help reduce the chance for stone formation.

You might think that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a worry only for adult women. But they are a concern for babies and young children, too.

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About 3% of girls and 1% of boys will develop a UTI by the time they’re 11 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Uncircumcised boys have slightly more UTIs than those who have been circumcised.

UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary system through the urethra (that’s the passageway by which urine travels from the bladder to the outside of the body). Bacteria can get into the urinary tract from the skin around the rectum and genitals. “Holding” urine, improper hygiene or constipation are common causes of UTIs in children, says pediatric urologist Jeffrey Donohoe, MD.

In children, UTIs may go untreated because often the symptoms aren’t obvious to the child or to parents. But UTIs in children need treatment right away to get rid of the infection, prevent the spread of the infection and to reduce the chances of kidney damage.

Two kinds of UTIs

UTI symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Need to urinate more often, or difficulty urinating.
• Wetting of underwear or bedding by a child who knows how to use the toilet.
• Vomiting, refusal to eat.
• Abdominal pain.
• Side or back pain.
• Foul-smelling urine.
• Cloudy or bloody urine.
• Unexplained and persistent irritability in an infant.
• Poor growth in an infant.

It’s important to distinguish between UTIs with fever and those without, Dr. Donohoe says. A young child with a high fever and no other symptoms has a 1 in 20 chance of having a UTI, the AAP says.

“Typically, urinary tract infections with a fever happen when the infection travels to the kidneys or when they are severe bladder infections,” Dr. Donohoe says.

Doctors treat UTIs with fever or UTIs in children younger than age 2 more aggressively, Dr. Donohoe says. That’s because frequent or untreated UTIs can scar a child’s kidneys and cause permanent damage.

How you can help your child getting a repeat UTI

Once a UTI clears, it’s helpful to get kids in the habit of using the bathroom every two hours to prevent future infections, Dr. Donohoe says.

Teach your daughters to wipe front to back after going to the bathroom. Also, taking regular baths, drinking plenty of water and even consuming watered-down cranberry juice can help your child avoid a UTI. Drinking fluids helps to flush the infection out of the body.

Cranberry juice has a reputation for curing UTIs. However, traditional, consumer-friendly cranberry juices — which are often a blend of various juices — have not been shown to be particularly effective, Dr. Donohoe says. The purer cranberry preparations can be unpalatable to children because they are tart.

“Cranberry, however, has been proven an effective treatment for preventing urinary tract infections,” Dr. Donohoe says. “It can reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections in people who are at risk.” Kid-friendly probiotics in chewable form also can help avoid UTIs.

What to do if you think your child has a UTI

If you think your child may have a UTI, call your pediatrician. A simple test can diagnose if your child has a UTI. To get rid of the infection, your child will need to take antibiotics.

It’s important to continue giving your child the medicine until your pediatrician says the treatment is finished, even if your child feels better. UTIs can return if not fully treated.

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Unfortunately, your birth control method might be upping your risk of infection.

The stats don’t lie: 50% of women experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at one point or another. And with each subsequent infection, your risk of a recurrent ones goes up, according to the National Institutes of Health. While the painful symptoms like burning or stinging with urination may seem bad enough, the risk of a dangerous kidney infection means this common condition can also become a scary (and expensive) experience.

Avoid developing UTIs in the first place with these tips from Dr. Sherry Ross, OB/GYN, author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Your body will thank you.

1. Practice good hygiene with your partner.

Since sexually active women are most at risk for UTIs, it’s always important to take precautions during sex, Dr. Ross says. Anything going near your genital area should be as clean as possible, and that includes penises, hands, mouths, and toys.

“We’re anatomically more prone to bladder infections because of the way the bladder sits right above the vagina,” Dr. Ross explains. Since the urethra — the tube that drains urine from the body — is right near the vagina, it’s easier for unwelcome bacteria to get into the urinary system, leading to a possible infection in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys.

2. Always pee right after sex.

There’s a lot of truth to this common piece of advice. Going to the bathroom ASAP can flush out any bacterial intruders before they wreak havoc on your system. If you don’t have access to a bathroom, Dr. Ross recommends using non-fragrant wipes like Huggies to clean up afterward.

3. Don’t hold it in general.

To that end, regularly waiting to go to the bathroom doesn’t help. Peeing frequently (ideally every of couple of hours) prevents that bad bacteria from developing in your urethra and bladder, whether you’re sexually active or not.

This is especially important for menopausal women, since a decrease in the amount of estrogen in your body can make you more vulnerable to infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

4. Drink lots of water.

The best way to make sure you’re going to the bathroom enough? Getting the recommended eight to 10 cups of water per day. Staying hydrated can also boost energy levels, prevent headaches, and help your skin, so drink up.

5. Try cranberry tablets.

If you have recurrent infections, Dr. Ross says taking cranberry tablets daily can help keep your urinary tract healthy. While the research on cranberry juice curing infections is inconsistent, this added measure can’t hurt.

Urinary tract infections are usually more of a painful annoyance than a threat to an individual’s health. They occur when bacteria (E. coli is responsible 90 percent of the time) get into the urinary tract via the urethra. From there, the bacteria can spread into the bladder, the ureters, and the kidneys. If a urinary tract infection is caught early, which it usually is, then it is easily taken care of with a short three to seven-day regime of fairly mild broad spectrum antibiotics.

If a urinary tract infection (UTI) goes untreated it may spread and wreak havoc on the urinary tract. Eventually, it will make its way to the kidneys and become a more serious threat to a person’s health, as well as usually leading to significant pain.

To stop a UTI before it reaches critical stages in the kidneys, watch out for the signs a patient may have an infection of the urinary tract:

• Mild or severe burning sensations during urination
• A frequent need to go to the bathroom
• Dark, white, cloudy, or red urine with a foul scent
• Less urine output or the inability to empty the bladder
• Pain in the abdomen or lower back
• Slight fever

Begin treating the urinary tract infection — in consultation with your doctor, of course — during this stage, and it won’t have a chance to reach the kidneys.

What happens if a UTI reaches the kidneys?

When a UTI reaches the kidneys, it is called pyelonephritis.

There is still a chance that the urinary tract infection can be wiped out by antibiotics even after it reaches the kidneys. However, the treatment may now be for 14 days rather than seven, and if patients have a high temperature or are too dehydrated, then a hospital stay may be necessary to help them recover from the kidney infection. If so, the antibiotics will be given intravenously along with the fluid needed to replenish the body.

When UTI-causing bacteria reach the kidneys, it can cause permanent damage. Damage to the kidneys may result in reduced kidney function, or even complete kidney failure. The latter occurs more often if patients already have some type of kidney problem. From the kidneys, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, and this may be life threatening.

Pyelonephritis is an acute or chronic infection of the kidneys. It causes a painful swelling of the kidneys and can deposit bacteria into the bloodstream. During this stage there will usually be blood in the urine, little urine leaving the body, and low blood pressure.

After pyelonephritis, the patient can develop urosepsis. This occurs when the UTI spreads its bacteria into the bloodstream and affects other parts of the body. This condition is serious.

Its symptoms include:

• Pain in the kidney area — this can mean the abdomen or side, but also often the lower back
• Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
• Fatigue that is extreme
• Less urine, or possibly none
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (lung involvement)
• Mental confusion
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• A weakened pulse
• High fever
• Sweating

Diagnosis and treatment of complications of a UTI

For a simple UTI, the doctor will order a urinalysis and ask for a culture test to be performed in the lab. These tests will show if there is a UTI and what bacteria is causing it. But, if the symptoms show there may be a complication such as urosepsis he will add other tests. These may include blood tests and cultures, a chest x-ray to check for lung involvement, a CT of the abdomen and kidneys, and an ultrasound to check out the health of the urinary tract. He may search the patient’s skin for signs of a visible rash or ulcerations caused by the sepsis.

Antibiotics are a must to destroy bacteria, but they may not be enough. The body sometimes requires a more aggressive treatment. It may need extra oxygen. The doctor may order vasopressors to constrict blood vessels and cause an increase in blood pressure. This treatment is meant to keep the organs working properly and reduce the chances of them shutting down. In the worst cases, surgery could become necessary to get rid of the infection source quickly.

Preventing complications of untreated UTIs

Not everyone can avoid having a UTI. Urinary tract infections are very common, especially in women. Fifty percent of women have suffered from one at one point in their life, and sometimes several. Yet, complications can be avoided in most cases if you recognize the symptoms of a UTI and treat it properly. Visit a doctor at the first sign of a problem. Follow his or her directions when it comes to taking the antibiotics. Don’t stop treatment simply because symptoms have disappeared, because antibiotics usually cause symptoms to clear up fast but the course must be completed to be effective. Drink plenty of fluids to help the body flush out the bacteria.

However, the best way to avoid complications is to do your best to avoid infections.

There are simple habits you can adopt in order to lessen the risk of a UTI.

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to flush out bacteria
• Stay clean. Wash daily, and before and after sex. Wear clean, dry, cotton underwear.
• Wipe from front to back to avoid getting E. coli into the urethra
• Empty the bladder completely as often as possible
• Urinate after sex
• Get frequent screenings for STIs
• Make sure the doctor is aware of underlying issues (HIV, pregnancy, multiple sclerosis, genetic issues). He may prescribe preventative antibiotic treatment.

Conclusion

An untreated urinary tract infection has the ability to resolve itself in the early stages. However, it is always best to seek a doctor’s advice. There is always a small possibility that what you have is not a UTI, but a condition that mimics the symptoms. A urinalysis will tell a patient whether it truly is a UTI or something else.