Kidney Infection Causes & Risks

Causes

Kidney infection may be caused by:

Bladder infection that was not treated or inadequately treated (most common cause)
Conditions that slow the flow of urine from the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones
Having a cystoscopy done to examine the bladder
Surgery of the urinary tract
Use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder
Bacteria from somewhere else in the body that has gone into the kidneys (rare)

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing a kidney infection. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Sex: female
Sexual activity
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Birth defect of the urinary tract, including vesicoureteral reflux
Blockage of the urinary tract, including:
- Tumors
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Kidney stones
Catheter or stent placed in the urinary tract
Polycystic kidneys
Sickle cell anemia
Previous kidney transplant
Weakened immune system

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.