Left Side Pain Urinary Tract Infection

When A Uti Spreads To The Kidneys Back Pain Will Likely Result

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

However, a UTI without kidney involvement can also cause back pain. Why would this be?

You may already know that if a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, this can cause serious complications resulting in permanent kidney damage. It can even be deadly if not treated in time.

When people know this information, and they begin experiencing symptoms that suggest a UTI, they may then start panicking if their back begins hurting believing that the infection has made its way to the kidneys.

But back pain is also a well-documented symptom of an infection that is still confined to the urinary tract.

This then begs the question: Why can a UTI cause back pain if the kidneys are not involved?

Lots of medical conditions can cause back pain, begins Michael Ingber, MD, board certified in urology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and founder of The Center for Specialized Womens Health, division of Garden State Urology.

Thus, if you have back pain along with the classic symptoms of a UTI , this doesnt automatically mean the cause of the back pain is whatevers causing your UTI-suggestive symptoms.

Nevertheless, a UTI alone can definitely cause back pain.

Kidney stones and kidney infections typically cause severe, one-sided pain that doesnt go away with changing positions, continues Dr. Ingber.

On the contrary, pelvic problems can often result in lower back pain. This can be from pelvic organ prolapse , endometriosis or UTIs.

Tips To Avoid Getting A Uti Or Repeated Uti

Try to fully empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need
Always wipe front to back
Drink water, a lot of water
Cranberry juice has been reported to help
Do not use feminine hygiene products
Always empty your bladder and clean your genitals after sex
Keep your genitals dry and airy by wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding tight clothes

There are numerous ways to get a UTI, and you need treatment if you are experiencing UTI symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI or any other lower abdominal problem, reach out to our team today. Contact BASS Urgent Care at 925.350.4249

Possible Reasons Why You Are Feeling Pain In Your Pelvis

If you are a man or woman who is experiencing pain in the region below your belly button and above your thighs, then you have what is known as pelvic pain

So Whats Wrong With Me?

Pain in the pelvic region could be a sign of issues with your urinary tract, reproductive organs, or digestive tract. And while some of the causes of suffering a painful pelvis are not anything to be alarmed about, others are concerning enough to necessitate a visit to a hospital or specialist as soon as possible .

So now take a look through the following list to pick out your symptoms, so that you can get a rough idea as to what may be causing your pelvic pain:

Number 1: UTI

This describes an extremely common bacterial infection somewhere along your urinary tract. It is due to tiny microbes that cannot be spotted without a medical microscope. Of note: while the majority of urinary tract infections are due to bacteria, some are generated by fungi, and in rare instances, by viruses. Look out for pain in and around the pelvic bone and pain in the middle of your pelvis. Further UTI symptoms comprise:

Other symptoms involve: Pain, or a feeling of burning whilst urinating Needing to urinate more frequently than usual Foul-smelling or cloudy urine Blood in the urine. .

A loud sound coming from the bowels Constipation Vomiting .Number 9: Entrapment of the Pudendal Nerve

References

. The Mayo Clinic .https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Foods And Drinks For Kidney Infections

While staying hydrated is one of the most important things to do to ensure frequent flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract, you dont always have to consume water to achieve this goal.

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can be easily mixed with warm water and honey to drink. Parsley also effectively flushes out toxins in the body when consumed as a drink.

Drinking lots of fluids can also prevent constipation and other irritating kidney infection symptoms from occurring.

Fiber-rich foods such as apples and cabbages are also effective preventative measures for constipation. You should avoid foods high in phosphorus until an infection is cured, because infected kidneys prevent organs from properly regulating phosphorus levels in the body.

Read Also: Do I Have A Bladder Infection

How To Get Rid Of Uti Back Pain

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections that infect areas of your urinary system. The urinary system is made up of four parts:

The urethra is a thin tube that connects the bladder to the outside of your body. When you urinate, the urine flows out of the bladder through the ureters and urethra.

Sometimes bacteria makes its way up the ureters, into your bladder, and sometimes all the way up into your kidneys. This can lead to back pain and is a sign of a serious infection.

You May Like: Eye Infection Not Pink Eye

Not Being Able To Empty Your Bladder

If youre unable to empty your bladder fully, any bacteria that get inside may not be flushed out when you go to the toilet and can multiply more easily.

You may not be able to empty your bladder fully if:

you have a blockage in your urinary system, such as a bladder stone
youre pregnant, as the baby may be pressing on your bladder
you have an enlarged prostate gland that presses on the urethra

Interstitial Cystitis/painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis, also referred to as bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes painful urinary symptoms. It affects mostly women, according to the . The cause of the condition is currently unknown, but certain factors may trigger symptoms, such as infections, physical or emotional stress, diet, bladder injury, or certain medications.

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Symptoms can include:

urinalysis to check for infection
cystoscopy to view the lining of your bladder
urinary function tests
potassium sensitivity test

Your doctor may also perform other tests to help rule out cancer as the cause of your symptoms, such as a biopsy, which is usually performed during cystoscopy or urine cytology to check for cancer cells in your urine.

Treatments for interstitial cystitis

There is no one specific treatment for interstitial cystitis. Your doctor will recommend treatments for your individual symptoms, which may include:

Also Check: Swallowing Pus From Tooth Infection

Relief Without A Prescription

An over-the-counter drug called phenazopyridine can help ease your pain, burning, and irritation. It also controls your need to pee frequently and urgently.

But there’s a catch. It only works on your symptoms. It doesn’t cure your infection. You still need to see your doctor to make sure you get treatment to fight the bacteria that’s causing your UTI.

Also, one common side effect: It turns your pee dark red or orange while you take it.

Get A Diagnosis Not A Self

Urinary Tract Infection – Overview (signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, causes and treatment)

Its also important to consider whether the uterus and other organs of the gynecological system could be causing bladder pain, Siddiqui says, as they are close to the bladder. Pelvic floor dysfunction, such as tightness or spasms of the pelvic muscles, commonly occurs with bladder pain and may make bladder pain worse, she explains. Pelvic pain can also be caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cysts. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases can sometimes be the source of pelvic pain, notes Mayo Clinic.

If none of these conditions are present and women have ongoing bladder pain, they are typically treated for bladder pain syndrome, which refers to painful conditions of the bladder where other causes such as UTI and cancer have been excluded,” says Siddiqui.

The bottom line for women to keep in mind: Dont self-diagnose your bladder pain. Addressing and treating the issue can offer relief for body and mind.

Also Check: Antibiotics For Throat Infection In Adults

When To See Your Doctor

See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency — but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.

Recommendations For Maintaining Ones Back Healthy

Exercise on a regular basis to keep muscular tissues strong and also flexible. Seek advice from a medical professional for a checklist of low-impact, age-appropriate exercises that are specifically targeted to enhancing lower back and stomach muscles.

Preserve a healthy and balanced weight and also eat a nutritious diet with a sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and also vitamin D to advertise new bone development.

Use ergonomically created furnishings as well as tools in the house and also at the office. See to it work surfaces are at a comfy elevation.

Change resting placements usually as well as occasionally walk the workplace or carefully stretch muscles to relieve tension. A pillow or rolled-up towel positioned behind the small of the back can give some lumbar assistance. Put your feet on a low feces or a stack of publications when sitting for a long time.

Treating Lower Back Pain Related Uti Symptoms

So, now we know that UTI can cause lower back pain on one side or even both. Lets follow ut with treatment options. Persistent bladder infections can be treated using single lower everyday dosages of antibiotics. Women with propensity of establishing UTIs following sexual relations can likewise take a single dosage of antibiotic instantly after sex. Numerous physicians likewise encourage patients to self treat their UTI symptoms using 3-day antibiotic courses as soon as they take place. One can even take a fever reduce/pain killer such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen to ease the UTI back pain on one side. Sleeping with a warm water bag can likewise alleviate symptoms of abdominal pain and UTI back ache.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms accompanying the bladder infection-known as asymptomatic UTIs. These typically lead the patient to have a bladder infection for long time. Just a chance/ regular urine assessment reveals existence of bacteria in the urine. Naturally, no treatment is required, however, pregnant women, children or those with risk of developing a kidney infection must be treated instantly nevertheless.

In conclusion

Back pain specifically UTI associated lower back pain on the right side ought to not be ignored. See your doctor instantly if the pain returns shortly after you have been treated with antibiotics.

If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

How Is Interstitial Cystitis Treated

There is no cure for interstitial cystitis. A wide array of treatment options exist for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, although well-designed clinical trials to evaluate effectiveness are largely lacking 32). Multimodal therapy that includes pentosan polysulfate sodium , a tricyclic antidepressant, and an antihistamine is a relatively new approach to symptom relief based on advances in understanding of the complementary pathophysiologic mechanisms, but it remains to be evaluated in well-designed clinical effectiveness trials 33). It is important to set realistic goals and expectations with patients because individual responses vary and the evidence base is weak.

You may need to try several treatments or a combination of treatments before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Table 3. Multimodal Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis

Agent/dosage

Most people feel better after trying one or more of the following treatments:

Oral Medicines

Intra-Bladder Therapies

Intravesical hyaluronic acid is a natural proteoglycan used in Europe and Canada for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, but it is not approved for this use in the United States because supporting clinical trial data were lacking 45). An uncontrolled European trial demonstrated that intravesical hyaluronic acid treatments in combination with chondroitin sulfate led to markedly decreased pain and urgency at 12 weeks 46).

OTHER ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

Utis And Hospital Stays

A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube that’s inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities.

Duration Of Urinary Tract Infections

Once treatment has started, symptoms of simple bladder infections usually go away within one to two days, though youll need to continue taking any course of antibiotics as prescribed. If the infection is complicated and has spread to the kidney, it may take a week or longer before symptoms disappear.

Recommended Reading: What To Do If Tooth Is Infected

Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Your recommended treatment plan by your GP will depend on whether your infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract.

Both types of urinary tract infection can usually be treated at home using a course of antibiotics.

If an upper UTI is more serious or there is increased risk of complications, you may need hospital treatment.

Also Check: How Long Should A Bladder Infection Last

Lower Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Urinary Tract Infection In Women | Causes & Treatment

Common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include:

Frequent and urgent need to urinate
Burning or painful sensation while urinating
Strong-smelling urine
Urine that is bloody and/or cloudy in color
Lower abdominal pain

Good to know: Lower urinary tract infections present similar symptoms in both men and women. However, men may also experience rectal pain, while women may experience pelvic pain.

Also Check: Will Macrobid Treat Yeast Infection

Bladder Infection Signs: How To Spot Them

By Amory Urgent Care

The pain can be so intense you almost cant walktrip after trip to the bathroom with no relief in sight. You might be experiencing the painful side effects of a bladder infection.

Urinary tract infections or UTIs can manifest as bladder infections. They affect more than 150 million people each year, and when left untreated, they can pose serious health risks.

But what are the bladder infection signs, and how do you spot them?

We have put together a comprehensive list of signs to help you identify a bladder infection so you can get the medical treatment you need as soon as possible.

What Happens If A Uti Is Left Untreated

Even if you arent experiencing significant pain or burning, it is still critical that your UTI is treated completely with a full course of the appropriate antibiotic. If left untreated, a UTI can continue to spread throughout your urinary tract, into the kidneys, and beyond, which can cause a number of severe symptoms and even life-threatening complications.

To help patients get the most accurate diagnosis of their urinary tract infection, Dr. Kasraeian often recommends the PCR test. This highly advanced tool offers same-day results and can identify which bacteria is causing the UTI and which antibiotics the pathogen may be sensitive or resistant to, ensuring the best possible chance for quick treatment and rapid relief.

Don’t Miss: How To Diagnose Viral Infection

You Dont Pee After Sex

The threat of getting a UTI shouldnt stop you from getting it on. But that doesnt mean resigning yourself to the afterburn.

One simple way to cut your risk: Head to the potty after youve finished your romp. Youll possibly flush out the bacteria that may have made their way into your urinary tract. Urinary Tract Infection. .

Also Check: Cranberry Supplement For Urinary Tract Infection

Tips To Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

Figure 4 from Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of ...

A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection that occurs in the urinary system. This could include the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Most infections involve the bladder and urethra, known as the lower urinary tract.

The most common symptoms include painful urination, tenderness above the bladder area, urgency and frequency of urination. Cloudy and a strong odor are not signs of infection.

Women are at greater risk for a UTI because the urethra is shorter than in men, so its easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. UTIs also are more common in postmenopausal women because low estrogen levels change vaginal and urethral tissue to increase the risk of infection.

Its always better to prevent an infection rather than simply treat it. UTIs are no different.

Dont Miss: Urinary Tract Infection In Boy Toddler Symptoms

Don’t Miss: Can I Get A Kidney Infection Without A Uti

What About Kidney Stones Are They Involved Here Somehow

Sort of. A kidney stone isnt an infection, but a collection of salt and minerals that hardens and turns into a stone. While some stones may be small others can be much larger. They may stay in the kidney, or begin to move into the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder. When this happens, kidney stones can become extremely painful.

Kidney stones can be tricky, since they may have many of the same symptoms as a UTI or a kidney infection pain when urinating, needing to urinate often, and cloudy or strong smelling urine, blood in the urine, fever, nausea or vomiting. And while stones often pass on their own, larger stones sometimes need to be broken up, or removed.

Sometimes, kidney stones can lead to a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, so its important to get them checked out by your doctor. And, since the symptoms are so similar, getting a checkup is probably a good idea anyway just to rule out the possibility of an infection, and to make sure the stone is moving along as it should.