best kidney specialist in Kolkata

How Recurrent UTIs Impact Long-Term Kidney Health

How Recurrent UTIs Impact Long-Term Kidney Health

Urinary tract infections are often considered minor inconveniences that get resolved with antibiotics. But what if you find yourself battling with another one in just a few weeks?

Many people don’t know that UTIs can put their kidneys at risk. For many individuals with recurrent UTIs, the disease is more than just an uncomfortable nuisance. In fact, over time, it can have a lasting effect on long-term kidney health.

That’s why consulting the best kidney specialist in Kolkata, like Dr. Amitabha Saha, is important not just for immediate relief but also for protecting your kidney health.

Understanding UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, occur when bacteria enter the urinary system; most commonly, E. coli enters the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Most infections begin in the lower urinary tract and spread to the kidneys, which can become serious.

Dr. Amitabha Saha, the best kidney specialist in Kolkata, lists the common symptoms of the condition.

  • A burning sensation during urination
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Lower abdominal discomfort

The condition becomes serious when the infections travel to the kidneys. In such situations, individuals are likely to experience these troublesome signs.

  • High fever and chills
  • Lower back pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent fatigue

If proper precautionary measures are not taken, repeated infections over time impair the kidney’s ability to filter toxins.

Impact Of UTIS On Kidney Health

Recurrent kidney infections, specifically two or more within 6 months or a year, lead to the following complications.

  • Kidney scarring

Each episode of the kidney causes inflammation, which eventually leads to tissue scarring. The scarred tissues fail to function properly like the healthy ones, to filter out wastes.

  • Chronic kidney damage

Persistent kidney damage progresses to the chronic kidney disorder, which is a long-term disorder where the kidneys lose their ability to function.

  • Permanent damage

In some cases, repeated infections cause permanent damage, where treatment involves dialysis or transplant.

Who Is At Risk?

Though UTIs can affect any individual, the following groups are more vulnerable.

  • Children with inborn urinary abnormalities
  • Women population
  • Elderly people
  • Those with kidney disorders
  • Individuals with a weakened immune system

If you fall under the following category and have been experiencing the mentioned symptoms, get in touch with a kidney specialist for early evaluation and treatment.

Are There Preventive Measures For Utis?

Take a look at the following preventive measures to prevent the risk of UTIs and avoid kidney damage.

  • Complete the antibiotic course even if symptoms improve early
  • Maintain proper hygiene
  • Don’t hold back urine for a long time.
  • Urinate after intimacy
  • Treat any structural abnormalities

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Conclusion

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, should never be ignored. What might seem like a minor infection in the early stage can pose a threat to kidney health in the future. Hence, seek expert care from the best kidney specialist in Kolkata, like Dr.Amitabha Saha, for the right care.