Question:
1. Are there any symptoms which always or almost always occur when one
has a kidney infection? (Will a patient always or almost always have
WBC's in their urine and urinate much more frequently / have a fever
if they have a kidney infection?)
2. Should one see a urologist or a nephrologist (or someone else) if
they suspect they have an infection?
3. How long after the onset of initial (mild) symptoms does it take
for more severe symptoms to develop?
4. Are there any homeopathic remedies for a kidney infection?
Answer:
Nothing that I know of that is homeopathic that will cure an infection.
Although cranberry juice is supposed to help keep them from developing.
Yes you should always see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have a
kidney infection. They can turn quite painful and cause permanent kidney
damage if not treated.
I've only ever had one and the first sign for me was the urge to urinate
frequently and it was irritating not quite painful right at that moment.
The doctor at the dialysis unit told me to go home and wait a few days. I
told him straight out I'm not waiting till it gets worse, if you don't check
for it now I'm leaving here and heading straight for the emergency room.
When it turns out I'm right you are going to be in for it with the director.
I'm one of those people who when I get ane infection it spreads like crazy
so I push the issue rather than take a wait and see approach. Which is
something you have to do with some doctors. They don't always like you for
it but you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel.
Symptoms of a kidney infections are: flank pain; fever and chills;
nausea and vomiting. A dipstick urinalysis will be positive for
nitrites, WBC and sometimes RBC.
Lower tract symptoms of burning pain while urinating, feeling of
pressure and urgency, and frequent urination are almost always signs of
a bladder infection. A bladder infection that is not treated may spread
to the kidneys, especially in those with chronic illnesses.
A specialist is not necessary. One should see a family practioner or
internist. If the kidney infections are recurrent, a specialist might be
needed to find out why; there may be an underlying condition (such as
undiagnosed diabetes that has caused neuropathy of the bladder, leading
to frequent bladder infections that then spread to the kidneys).
