What are the differences between kidney and urinary tract infections?

The urinary tract (urine) is an organ whose job is to produce, store, and excrete urine. Starting from the kidneys, ureters, bladder, to the urethra. Just like other parts of the body, the urinary tract is also susceptible to bacteria, resulting in infection. There are various types of urinary tract infections depending on the target location, one of which includes infections of the kidneys. So, what is the difference between kidney and urinary tract infections?

What are the differences between kidney and urinary tract infections?

Although they are different organs, the kidneys and urinary tract are part of the same organ system that produces and supplies urine (urine). In order not to be confused, you should understand the difference between kidney and urinary tract infections in more depth.

Different causes

Urinary tract infection (urinary tract infection) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in it. Bacteria can come from anywhere, for example from the digestive tract or from the anus which then spreads to the urinary tract.

Of the total number of people with urinary tract infections, more women experience this condition than men. This is because the anatomy of a woman's urethra has a urethra that is shorter and closer to the anus. That means, the ability of bacteria to cause infection will be easier.

Infections in the urinary tract that are not treated promptly can continue to spread to enter the kidneys. As a result, kidney infection (pyelonephritis) develops at a later date. In other words, the process of kidney infection begins with a urinary tract infection.

That's not all. Having had kidney surgery before and the spread of bacteria from other parts of the body are believed to be several other things that cause kidney infections.

Different signs and symptoms

Broadly speaking, the difference between kidney and urinary tract infections in terms of symptoms is not much different. The following are common symptoms that indicate urinary tract infections and kidney infections:

• The frequency of urinating increases
• Pain when urinating
• Cloudy urine
• Urine smells bad

While the symptoms of a kidney infection are more specific, namely:

• High fever
• Hot and cold body
• Pain in the back, especially on the side of the back where the kidneys are located
• Nausea and vomiting
• There is pus or blood in the urine

Slightly different from the symptoms of urinary tract infections, which include:

• There is blood in the urine, which can give the urine a bright pink or slightly thick color
• Feeling pain in the pelvis (lower abdomen), especially in the area around the pubic bone

Different treatment

Both kidney and urinary tract infections can be given antibiotics as the first step in treatment. The doctor will determine the type of antibiotic according to the bacteria causing the infection, as well as how severe the infection is.

Antibiotics such as trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim and Septra), fosfomycin (Monurol), nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid), cephalexin (Keflex), and ceftriaxone, can help treat symptoms of urinary tract infections. If deemed necessary, the doctor may prescribe medication that can help relieve painful urination.

Generally, symptoms of urinary tract infection can be resolved immediately after a few days of routine taking medication. Even so, you still have to keep taking the drug for some time, at least until the prescription runs out.

Slightly different from treatment for kidney infections, sometimes you need special treatment in the hospital, especially when the infection is quite severe. After being declared cured, the doctor will still check the urine sample to make sure that the infection has completely disappeared.

The results of the examination will be used as a reference for determining the next treatment, whether it can be stopped or needs further treatment. If it turns out that there are still bacteria in the urine, the doctor can give other types of antibiotics.