Pyelonephritis is the medical term for kidney infection. Kidneys mostly get infected by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, and the infection hinders their normal functioning. It may also enter the bloodstream and cause further serious problems. Women are more prone to a kidney infection than men because of the location and size of their urethra.
Following are the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection.
- Burning and painful sensation during urination
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Sudden unexplained fatigue
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Stinging pain in either one or both the kidneys (usually felt in the lower back)
- Tenderness felt upon touching the area of the kidneys
Some Natural Treatment Options
Never take a kidney infection casually. It may result in their complete damage if not treated well on time. Consult a nephrologist for necessary action. Mostly, doctors prescribe either sulfa drugs or antibiotics to treat the infection. What if you are allergic to either one or both of them? In such a situation, you must inform your doctor about it so that he/she can suggest some other medical treatment that is more suitable for you. However, there are also some home remedies that you can try for relieving yourself from the discomfort.
➜ Cranberry produces an acidic environment in the body, in which the bacteria cannot survive. Thus, it indirectly treats the infection. You can have cranberry in the form of juice or tablets. Make sure that the juice is pure and unsweetened. You can also have juniper fruits for the same effect.
➜ There are certain herbs that are highly effective in curing kidney diseases. Some of these are buchu, cleavers, couch grass, burdock, alfalfa, and dandelion. They detoxify the body and increase the flow of urine. Alfalfa is known for enhancing the kidney function.
➜ Drink plenty of water. It will form urine in the body and help in flushing out the infectious bacteria. You should drink at least 10 glasses of water daily to maintain the normal functioning of the excretory system.
➜ You can add some baking soda to the water, as it will help in bringing back the acid-base balance in your acidic urine. Place a heating pad on the lower abdominal region to relieve yourself of the kidney pain caused due to the infection.
➜ Take the help of aromatherapy to alleviate the pain. Add 20 drops of eucalyptus and sandalwood essential oils in hot water. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then take a bath. You can substitute the above essential oils with thyme and juniper oils if you like the fragrance. It will give you the same effect.
➜ Increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin A and C. Vitamin A increases the resistance of the body cells against bacteria while vitamin C boosts the immune system.
➜ Eat one pod of garlic daily. It encourages better functioning of the kidneys and is one of the best ways of curing a kidney infection naturally.
Some Precautionary Measures
Kidneys are extremely important organs in your body. Their malfunctioning will affect the normal working of other organs as well. It is best to take proper care of them. Take all the following measures to prevent the kidneys from getting infected.
➜ Avoid having processed foods, such as cheese and other dairy products, chocolates, carbonated drinks, caffeine, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners as a precautionary step.
➜ Avoid taking a bath in a bathtub. If you have to, then avoid taking a bubble bath, as lathery water breaks down the protective mucus layer at the urethral opening. This allows the bacteria to get inside.
➜ Clean the genital area after using the toilet. Women should always wipe the vagina from the front to the back to prevent germs from entering the urethral opening.
➜ Avoid wearing thongs as they provide a moist trail from the anus to the urethra thereby creating an ideal condition for bacterial growth. Instead, wear comfortable, fitting cotton underwear. Also, avoid synthetic underclothing and tight pants.
➜ Always clean your genitals before and after sexual intercourse. Urinate after an intercourse as early as possible. Avoid holding back of the urine. Urinate as soon as you feel the urge to.
Always consult a medical practitioner for any kidney problem. Never let it go undiagnosed or untreated as it may result in kidney failure. Take all the necessary steps to keep the kidneys healthy and well-functioning.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.