Poss kidney infection - could I treat myself??

[essbee]

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[WigWamBam]

Drink loads and loads of water to try and flush it out. Cranberry juice is meant to be good, too. But if there's no improvement in a day or two, then you should really see the GP.

Hope you feel better soon.

[tamum]

Oh essbee, if it's a kidney infection you will really need antibiotics. You can do so much damage by leaving it untreated. Please go to the doctor.

[essbee]

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[tamum]

essbee, nag nag nag, I honestly don't think cranberry juice will help much, it's more of a bladder thing, and honestly no doctor will think you're wasting their time with those symptoms. Could you at least ring NHS24 and then if they tell you to go you can say you were just following instructions? Pleeeeease?

[noddyholder]

cranberry juice is for cystitis not a kidney infection It stops bugs from the kidney sticking to the sides of the bladder and so prevents cystitis but is uselss for kidney infections You will need antibiotics

[expatinscotland]

No. If you have a kidney infection you need to see a doctor and get antibiotics. You do not want to risk damaging the organ by leaving an infection untreated. The infection will NOT clear w/o anti-biotics and could lead to blood poisoning, as the kidneys' role is to filter the blood.

[WigWamBam]

Got this from google, may be helpful.

Kidney problems

Your kidneys filter out waste and excess fluid that your body does not need. Their function is essential for good health. Many kidney conditions may be painful, even life threatening. Several of the problems that affect the kidneys and their symptoms are covered in detail below. Many treatment options and methods of prevention are available. If you find that you have many of these symptoms of kidney problems, you should make an appointment to see a urologist.

Kidney infection symptoms

Sudden onset of shaking, chills and a fever of more than 102 degrees F
Constant ache in the side
Burning sensation when you urinate
Urinating often
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

How do I get a kidney infection?

A kidney infection occurs when bacteria in the bladder spreads into the ureters and kidneys. Repeated infections can cause kidney damage and, later, kidney failure.

Treatment

The doctor can determine if you have a kidney infection by examining your urine for bacteria and pus cells. A kidney infection is usually treated by plenty of fluids and antibiotics. If the infection is severe, you may need to be hospitalised to receive intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

Prevention

To prevent kidney infections, drink plenty of liquids, including cranberry juice. Cranberry juice has chemicals that fight off all urinary tract infections. Wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing that does not trap heat and moisture is also a good prevention of kidney infections. Practice good bathroom hygiene by cleaning yourself thoroughly after using the toilet. Women should wipe from front to back to avoid spreading faecal bacteria to the opening of the urethra. Recurring infections may mean that there is an important problem with the kidneys and should be evaluated by a urologist.

[essbee]

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[expatinscotland]

No, OTC stuff for cystitis will not help, b/c the if the kidney is infected the infection has spread past the bladder. You need to go to the doctor immediately.

[noddyholder]

you really can get antibiotics asap

[essbee]

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[tamum]

Yes, really you can do damage. Please????

WWB, that's good advice for preventing kidney infections but not for treating them.

[expatinscotland]

Yes, you can damage the kidney by leaving it infected, just as you can with any untreated infection, be it an absessed tooth or a cut on your leg.

[lunachic]

see a registered homeopath(yellow pages) i had a infection after birth of ds 1 which was sucessfully cleared by homeopathy
i hate taking anti bs too but sometimes you do need them and i would say that a kidney infection is probably something i would take them for

[bossykate]

essbee, sorry but i think you should go to the gp, leaving this untreated could be so bad for you.

[essbee]

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[lilaclotus]

repeating what everyone has said, go to the doctor.

[essbee]

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[geekgrrl]

my aunt lost all function in one kidney from leaving a UTI untreated.

IME they can test urine there and then, my GP doesn't bother and just goes by symptoms.

[bossykate]

i don't think my gp is geared up to test on the premises. samples get sent to the lab.

do you feel bad enough to go to a&e?

[tamum]

They can check for protein straight away, they would be able to use those dipsticks that they use in antenatal care. Cultures would take longer but IME they will start treatment right away if they think there's a real chance of a kidney infection. Sorry to be such a nag.

[tamum]

Sorry bk, cross posted- wasn't meaning to contradict you about your own doctor!

[flic23]

Gp normally just tests urine with stick thing like midwives do when preg to get result i have had four inections and with one ended up with reflux and inflamation of my kidney swear it was worse than childbirth the quicker you get the antibiotics the easier it is to get over

[essbee]

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[essbee]

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