Kidney Diseases in Women

The physiological characteristics in women determine that they are more susceptible to some kidney diseases such as pyelonephritis and lupus nephritis while men are more susceptible to acute glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. The common symptoms of kidney diseases in women are dry mouth, dark skin, frequent urination, urinary urgency, fatigue and in serious conditions blood urine, blurred vision and frequent urinary tract infections.

Male/female ratio of pyelonephritis is about 1:8. Most pyelonephritis is caused by urinary tract infections and escherichia coli is the main pathogenic bacteria. The urethra in women is short, wide and directly lead to the bladder; therefore women have more risk of catching infections than men. If the infections can not be controlled, it will enter into the kidneys and cause infections and inflammatory reactions in the kidneys.

During pregnancy, women will secrete more estrogen which will lower the ureteral tension and cause obstruction of the urinary tract. That is why there are more urinary tract infections during pregnancy.

Lupus nephritis is one auto-immune disease and most cases occur to young women and it will cause premature delivery or even abortion in pregnant women. There are 3 aspects of symptoms which should arouse enough attention in women.

Systemic symptoms

Intermittent fever, butterfly-shaped erythema, joint swelling and joint pain, epilepsy or mental disorder, etc.

Symptoms of the kidneys

Hematuria or proteinuria, back pain, high blood pressure, edema, sharp decline of kidney functions, etc.

Abnormalities in laboratory tests

Reduced white blood cell, anemia

Another reason is that women have relatively lower immunity than men. When the immune system is damaged, the kidneys will be more susceptible to damages especially some auto-immune disease such as lupus.

To fight against kidney disease and lower its incidence, women should pay more attention in their daily life. Drink more water and cranberry juice can help flush bacteria out of the ureter and much lower the risk of urinary tract infections.