Recurrent UTIs In Women: How Repeated Urinary Infections Can Lead To Chronic Kidney Disease
Frequent urinary tract infections in women may signal deeper health risks. Know how recurrent UTIs can affect kidney function and increase chronic kidney disease risk.
UTIs (urinary tract infection), unfortunately, in most cases are treated as minor problems and that is why they don't get much attention, especially in women and the young. The majority of the patients handle them with home remedies or self-prescribed antibiotics. But it is misleading to think of them as just minor short-term problems as recurrent episodes of infection can be a silent destroyer of kidney health and can lead to chronic kidney issues even before anyone realises it.
How Recurrent UTIs Can Affect Kidney Health?
According to Dr Ashish Tyagi, Consultant Urology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, "UTI usually starts in the bladder, but when the infection is frequent or left untreated, bacterium can move upstream through the urinary tract and get to the kidneys. The name for the condition is pyelonephritis where it gets the kidneys inflamed and infected. When kidney infections occur repeatedly, they cause inflammation and scarring of kidney tissue. Over time, this scarring reduces the kidneys' ability to filter blood effectively, paving the way for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually kidney failure which may require dialysis or kidney transplant in the long run."
Repeated Kidney Infections and Long-Term Damage
Each time, someone suffers from a kidney infection an inflammatory response is triggered. Eventually, this repeated inflammation puts a toll on kidneys in the various ways including kidney tissue damage, scarring and kidney shrinkage, reduced blood flow in kidneys and weakens the overall functioning of the kidneys. In some patients especially children, or those with urinary issues, these problems can begin silently and the affected person will not notice any symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.
Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Damage from Recurrent UTIs
The first signs of chronic kidney damage led by recurrent UTIs are not usually painful. These symptoms usually show up after a long time of the damage caused by the infections.
- Urgent need to pee or painful urination
- Persistent pain in lower back or side
- Fever associated with recurring infections
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Swelling in the feet or face
When to Seek Medical Help for Recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent episodes of UTIs should never be left untreated. Urologic evaluation, and kidney function assessment would help in identifying whether the infection is reaching to the kidneys or not. Timely treatment and changes in lifestyle can prevent the irreversible damage also, slow down the progression to chronic kidney disease.
Why Recurrent UTIs Should Not Be Ignored?
UTIs are common but recurrent infection should not be neglected as usual. It can be a signal that your body must be sending to you regarding the underlying condition developing in your body. Delay in evaluation and treatment can silently damage the kidneys and can lead to lifelong health issues. Consulting a specialist and lifestyle modifications can prevent the condition before it can lay the foundation of something severe.
Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information. TheHealthSite.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
