Causes
Kidney infection may be caused by:
- Bladder infection that was not treated or inadequately treated (most common cause)
- Conditions that slow the flow of urine from the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones
- Having a cystoscopy done to examine the bladder
- Surgery of the urinary tract
- Use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder
- Bacteria from somewhere else in the body that has gone into the kidneys (rare)
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing a kidney infection. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Sex: female
- Sexual activity
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Birth defect of the urinary tract, including vesicoureteral reflux
-
Blockage of the urinary tract, including:
- Tumors
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Kidney stones
- Catheter or stent placed in the urinary tract
- Polycystic kidneys
- Sickle cell anemia
- Previous kidney transplant
- Weakened immune system
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.