Health Tip: Keep Kidney Infections at Bay

How to help prevent them

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(HealthDay News) -- Kidney infections are usually the result of a more common urinary tract infection that makes its way to a kidney.

You're at greater risk of contracting a kidney infection if you have a history of conditions including cystitis or kidney stones.

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Your risk is also greater if you've had chronic or recurring urinary tract infections, and when the infection is caused by aggressive strains of bacteria.

Here are ways to help reduce your risk of a kidney infection, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• If you have a urinary tract infection, see your doctor and treat it promptly with antibiotics.
• After urinating, wipe from front to back to reduce the chances of rectal bacteria entering the urethra.
• Try to urinate right after sexual intercourse.
• Don't wait too long to use the bathroom.
• Drink plenty of fluids -- between 64 ounces and 128 ounces per day.
• Drink cranberry juice, as it can help control some bacteria that can cause an infection.

-- Diana Kohnle