Bloating of any kind can prove unpleasant, ranging from mild discomfort to incessant pain. Its causes range from simple digestive issues to disease. But can a kidney infection cause bloating? We look at the role kidneys play in your health and what symptoms an infection may present.
How Do I Tell If I Have a Kidney Infection?
A physical exam serves as a good start to evaluating any symptoms. From fractures to organ issues, these exams best set the basis for determining how to move forward. For most patients, your primary care provider (PCP) will conduct this exam. In addition to providing specialist care, an internist will often serve as a PCP.
Based on an analysis of your symptoms, we may then recommend additional screenings or tests. Depending on your present symptoms, you may need a blood test, urine test, or X-rays.
Can a Kidney Infection Cause Bloating?
A kidney infection can certainly cause bloating. Such infections often occur when a urinary tract infection (UTI) spreads to the kidneys. These organs play a central role in filtering elements from your urine. So, when they become infected, it can lead to a range of issues.
However, bloating is not the most common symptom of a kidney infection. When you visit your doctor, they will fully examine your case to determine if your bloating is kidney-related. Other issues that cause bloating include:
- Gas Production: During digestion, your gut bacteria contribute to the breaking down of foods. Depending on your microbiome and diet, you may experience bloating after eating certain foods.
- Constipation: When stool remains in the digestive tract for too long, it can lead to gas buildup.
- Food Sensitivities: From gluten to lactose, some patients may produce more gas while digesting certain food elements.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This disorder can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including bloating.
- Medications & Hormones: Changes to the chemicals in your body can lead to side effects such as bloating.
- Stress: Increased stress may also lead to increased bloating, though not in everyone.
Signs of a Kidney Infection
While bloating may occur as a result of a kidney infection, other symptoms play a more central role. Key symptoms we look for when diagnosing kidney infection include:
- Fever & Chills: These commonly present with various types of infection.
- Pain: Look for discomfort or pain in the lower back, side, or groin that worsens with movement.
- Urination Issues: Painful, stinging, or bloody urination can all point to an infection. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine can also occur. Additionally, patients can experience frequent urination, often with only small amounts each time.
- Fatigue: Infections can leave the body feeling tired or weak.
- Confusion: In severe infections, disorientation can occur. Treating an infection sooner rather than later can help prevent this.
Dangers of a Kidney Infection
Left untreated, any infection can damage the body. The kidneys are especially essential to your health, so you must be careful to promptly treat infection of those organs. The two biggest risks of untreated kidney infections include blood poisoning and kidney damage.
Kidney Damage
Inflammation and bacteria can lead to lasting kidney damage. Damaged kidneys will function at a lower capacity, putting patients at risk of chronic kidney disease. Timely treatment can prevent the infection from causing permanent damage to these two crucial organs.
Blood Poisoning
Infected kidneys may fail to properly filter a patient’s blood. Additionally, bacteria can spread from the kidneys directly into the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis, which is potentially life-threatening. Because of this severe complication, we strongly recommend seeking treatment at the first signs of symptoms. Stopping an infection early on can help you avoid most complications and may even save your life.
Treating a Kidney Infection
Treatment for a kidney infection can vary, but most patients will need a course of antibiotics. When an infection is caused solely by bacteria, these medications can prove extremely effective. Patients typically can expect improvements within a matter of days.
However, we only recommend antibiotics with confirmed cases of infection. Some physicians may prescribe this medication too readily, which can lead to future bacterial resistance. Thus, we recommend always working with reputable doctors for any health conditions. Antibiotics can work wonders, but they should only be prescribed when the patient truly needs them.
In severe cases, a patient may first require hospitalization for a kidney infection. Early treatment should help you avoid this risk, though.
Visit a Kidney Expert
As a nephrologist, Dr. Gura has spent decades helping patients maintain or restore kidney health. If you suspect you have a kidney infection, schedule an appointment to be diagnosed.