KIDNEY INFECTION, CHRONIC

General Information

DEFINITION--Infection of the kidneys that develops slowly and lasts for months or years. It leads to scarring and eventual loss of kidney function. Kidneys filter waste material from the bloodstream and produce urine.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Kidneys.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults of both sexes, but more common in women.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Usually no signs or symptoms, unlike acute kidney infection. The following occur if chronic kidney failure develops:

• Anemia.
• Weakness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Hypertension.
• Pain in one or both sides of the lower back.
• Blood in the urine.

CAUSES

• Frequent, acute bacterial kidney infections.
• Untreated lower urinary tract infections.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• History of diabetes mellitus.
• Urinary obstruction, such as stones or tumors.
• Long-term use of catheters.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Obtain prompt medical treatment for acute kidney infections, including 2 or more weeks of antibiotic treatment. Don't discontinue prescribed medication even if symptoms disappear after a few days of treatment.
• Obtain treatment for any abnormality of the urinary tract that causes infection.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Urinalysis and urine culture; cystoscopy, ultrasound, intravenous pyelogram (IVP) (See Glossary for all). Other special tests may be recommended.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to relieve obstruction in the urinary tract, if one exists.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Kidney-caused hypertension.
• Chronic kidney failure.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• Symptoms can be controlled with treatment. If only one kidney is chronically infected and antibiotic treatment is unsuccessful, surgical removal of the affected kidney may prevent complications.
• If chronic kidney failure develops in both kidneys, a kidney transplant or kidney dialysis can be life-saving.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Follow your treatment plan carefully. This may not be easy for an illness that causes few symptoms in the early stages.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics for months or years.
• Drugs to keep the urine slightly acid.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet. Drink 2 quarts of liquid daily; include cranberry juice to acidify the urine.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of chronic kidney infection.
• You have symptoms of an acute kidney infection, such as: urgent, frequent or burning urination; fever and chills; fatigue; cloudy urine.