The medical term used to describe kidney infection is pyelonephritis, which is one type of urinary tract infection. It can also originate in the bladder or urethra and travel to the kidneys. Furthermore, a few patients will also experience leg swelling, notably in the lower limbs, ankles, and feet.
But what actually triggers this? The simple reason behind this is the complex relationships between the kidneys and fluid regulation in the body. Further, this blog will explore the intricate relationship between leg swelling and kidney infections, and also the effective ways to prevent and manage it.
How does one kidney work?
Before knowing about leg swelling, you need to understand how your kidneys work. The kidney is a bean-shaped organ, which is responsible for:
- Filtering the unwanted things from your blood.
- Regulating electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
- Controlling blood pressure.
- Secreting hormones that help in protecting bone health.
Whenever your kidneys are infected, inflamed, or damaged, kidneys’ ability to manage fluid and waste will be reduced. This will result in fluid buildup in the body, specifically in the lower limbs, due to gravity-related issues.
Why do my legs swell with kidney infections?
You should always remember that whenever experiencing leg swelling along with kidney-related issues, consider getting leg swelling treatment in Coimbatore. Further, let’s see the primary reasons for leg swelling or edema in individuals with kidney infections:
– Reduced kidney function:
In case your kidney is infected, those inflamed kidney tissues won’t function properly. As this will result in:
- Improper filtration causes fluid retention.
- Sodium imbalance which causes water to be retained in tissues.
Eventually, fluid accumulation will occur in the legs and ankles, resulting in visible swelling.
– Protein loss in uterine (Proteinuria):
Infections will affect your kidneys’ filtering units (nephrons), allowing protein like albumin to leak into the urine. Albumin is responsible for maintaining fluid in the blood vessels. Also, when albumin levels drop:
- Fluids leak out of the vessels and collect in the tissues.
- This manifests as puffy feet, ankles, or even swollen thighs.
– Inflammatory response:
Kidney infections trigger an immune response. This causes:
- Widening of blood vessels (vasodilation)
- Increased permeability of capillaries
- Fluids will leak into the surrounding tissues, notably in the lower limbs
This immune response, planning to fight the infection, will cause leg edema in kidney disease unintentionally.
– Secondary effects on the heart and circulation:
Severe or, when overlooked, the kidney infections will result in sepsis or cause strain on the heart. This will result in:
- Heart dysfunction results in poor blood return from the legs.
The main symptom exhibited in this condition is leg swelling, which is a sign of a systemic issue.
Who is at increased risk?
You need to understand that not everyone with a kidney infection will develop leg swelling. If you have the following health issues, then you are at risk:
- Pre-existing kidney disease
- Hypertension or diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Pregnant women, who are already prone to fluid retention
Typically, individuals with the above-mentioned issues will develop complications faster, making leg swelling an early sign that should not be ignored.
What are the signs that highlight that your swelling is triggered by a kidney infection?
When experiencing leg swelling along with the below-mentioned symptoms, it highlights a kidney issue:
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the back or side
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Changes in urine output
- Foamy urine indicates a protein loss
What are the ways to diagnose leg swelling associated with kidney infection?
To find the cause of leg swelling along with the kidney infection, healthcare providers will suggest:
- Urine test: To check for pus cells, bacteria, or protein.
- Blood test: To check kidney function
- Ultrasound or CT scan: To visualize the size of your kidney, abscesses, or obstructions.
- Blood cultures: To rule out sepsis in severe cases.
What are the treatment options available for a kidney infection?
The common treatment options include:
– Antibiotics:
Leg swelling during kidney infections is bacterial and needs proper treatment, often for 7 to 14 days. Worst cases require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.
– Managing fluid retention:
- Reducing your salt intake will limit the fluid buildup.
- Medications will be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
- Often, lifting the legs during the day will assist in draining excess fluid.
- Doctors will recommend compression stockings.
– Addressing underlying causes:
In case the swelling induced the underlying kidney damage, long-term management is required, like:
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Monitoring protein levels in the urine
- Reaching out to a nephrologist for special care
When to get emergency care?
You should consider getting immediate medical help when experiencing:
- Rapid leg swelling
- Shortness of breath indicates fluid in the lungs
- Worst back or abdominal pain
- High-grade fever with chills
- Urine output is getting reduced or stopped
These signs highlight acute kidney injury, sepsis, or heart failure, all of which require immediate treatment from the best kidney hospital in Coimbatore.
Bottom line:
In conclusion, we can say that leg swelling due to a kidney infection is something apart from a cosmetic concern, because it’s a prompt sign that the kidneys are not filtering fluids and waste properly. Also, those mild swellings will subside with timely treatment, but chronic or worsening edema requires medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
Timely diagnosis, and treatment, proper hydration, and kidney-friendly practices can assist in protecting your kidneys and your overall health.