Experts say kidney’s problems usually start from common urinary tract infection. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, and the ureters in the upper part and in the lower part are the bladder and the urethra. The major function of the kidney is to purify the body system by removing liquid waste and take extra water from the blood and pass them out through the ureters to the bladder and on to the urethral and come out as urine.
However, just as the urinary tract system helps to purify the body system, on the flip side, it can also be the source of health complications to the body system. Problems can occur when bacteria or viruses enter the body through the ureteral and travel up to the bladder and from the bladder travels up to the ureters and up again to infect kidneys.
What Is a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection happens when bacteria or viruses cause problems in one or both of the kidneys. According to experts and medical journals, germs in any part of the UTI -Kidneys; Ureters; Bladder & Urethra can cause problems for the kidneys. For instance, an infection in the bladder though painful but usually not serious, but if not treated, can travel up to infect the kidneys and becomes life-threatening
It’s therefore very imperative to ensure that the urinary tract, especially the bladder, is germs free. So, how do you know that the bladder is probably infested with germs? Experts say you should watch out for the following symptoms of bladder infection:
- Burning or pain when you pee
- A constant urge to pee, even soon after you empty your bladder
- Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Pain in your lower belly
- Peeing much more often than usual
There might be non-bladder infection sources for kidney infection, such as through the skin and after kidney surgery; but experts say they are very rear. So, our focus here is on kidneys complication arising from bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Experts and medical journals assert that bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to the kidneys. This, according to Mayo Clinic, is the most common cause of kidney infections.
Female Suffer Kidneys infection than male: Medical journals reveal that 50-60 percent of female will experience kidneys infection at least once in their lifetime. This is because the female urethral is very close to the virginal and the anus
Some pathogens (harmful bacteria/ germs), especially E-coli can enter the urinary tract through many of our day-to-day activities. Here are five DONTS to keep the kidneys free from infections.
DO NOT SEX WITHOUT PEE
Ensure you urinate after sex. Experts say Yes! you can get a UTI from having sex, especially if you’re a woman. Dr. Lakeisha Richardson MD, OB-GYN says “During sexual intercourse, thrusting can introduce bacteria up the urethra and into the bladder, increasing the risk of a UTI,”
The reason that women are more prone to getting a UTI from sex is due to female anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men, which means it’s easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.
Also, the urethra is closer to the anus in women. This makes it easier for bacteria, like E. coli, to get into the urethra. Urinating after sex helps eliminate bacteria in the bladder and along the urethra
DO NOT SQUAT TO LOO
Do not squat or hover on the WC when using the toilet. A lot of times, because of social phobia, we are afraid to sit on toilet seats, particularly in public setting, thinking that they harbour germs. In order not to come in contact with germs, we tend to squat or hover over the toilet to loo. Experts have warned that squatting over the toilet seat is more harmful to health. Doctor Preethi Daniel says “All that squatting and hovering we do to avoid touching the toilet seat, and the mad rush we are in to get out of the toilet cubicle are what can give us a urine infection”. In 2020, researchers discovered that adopting the squatting position when going to the toilet changes the mechanisms of urination. Squatting can keep the bladder from completely emptying the urine, which can cause infection in the bladder. WebMD also says that most disease-causing organisms can survive for only a short time on the surface of any toilet seat, so the risk of contracting an infection is minimal.
DO NOT SPRAY DEODORANT ON GENITALS
Women for so many reasons may apply deodorant and or douches to the genitals. The reasons include cleansing the vagina after menses, before or after sexual intercourse; suppression of unpleasant odor; prevention or treatment of vaginal itching and discharge and rarely to prevent pregnancy and or STDs. Medical journals say such practice is dangerous and harmful. The vaginal opening area, including the vulva, is made of very delicate and sensitive tissue. Antiperspirants and deodorants may work for your pits, but they can do more than a little damage below the belt, asserted the experts.
Obstetrics and Gynecology(O&G) experts says over-washing the vaginal area with harsh or heavily fragranced soaps or using methods such as douching can throw off the balance of normal vaginal flora, which allows the overgrowth of bacteria that can cause UTIs and increases the risks of vaginal irritation and infections.
DO NOT CLEAN FROM BACK TO FRONT
This is of course in reference to the female’s mode of cleaning the bum after loo. Ensure you wipe the anal region from the front to back. If you clean from back to front you risk transferring bacteria from their comfort zone in the anal region to the vaginal opening area and on to the urinary tract through the vaginal.
DO NOT HOLD YOUR PEE
When you feel the urge to urinate do not hold it. Holding your pee involves consciously fighting the urge to urinate. When you don’t urinate regularly, bacteria may sit and multiply in the bladder causing bladder infection. If the infection is not treated, it can travel up the urinary tract to infect the kidneys as well.
Apart from UTI, experts say habitual holding of pee may cause other problems such as pain/ discomfort in the bladder or kidney; Bladder stretching which may lead to inability to urinate without catheter; Damage to the pelvic floor muscles; as well as kidney stones
DO NOT STAY DEHYDRATED
The body loses water every day through sweat and urination. There is need to constantly replenish the loss fluid
Water helps our body in many different ways. It aids digestion, lubricates joints, and helps balance chemicals. Water is important in delivering oxygen, regulating body temperature, and more. Water is critical to every organ system, including the expulsion of waste.
Without adequate fluid, urine becomes more concentrated. The excess minerals in the concentrated urine can irritate the bladder lining, resulting in bladder inflammation- cystitis. Untreated bladder infection can again move up to affect the kidney.
Medical journals and experts say the body needs about 3.7 litres and 2.7 liters of fluid a day for men and women respectively.
These are some of the things we do on a daily basis that can put our kidneys into danger. But if you started experiencing the following signs and symptoms, note that your kidneys may have been compromised and quickly visit a qualified physician.
Symptoms of a kidney infection include:
- Blood or pus in your pee
- Dark reddish-brown urine
- Cloudy urine
- Fever and chills
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in your lower back, side, or groin
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Weakness or fatigue
Source: Dare Agbeluyi, Chief Publisher.
Publisher’s Note:
- Leave your comments in the comments box below and share the post
- Send your health- related articles, stories, tips to compack2006@yahoo.co.ukfor free publication
- Like and share our Facebook page: @citizencomfortng
- Download our Free Health e Book
Very instructive
Very educative
Very educating
Godbless 🙏