A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a urinary tract infection affecting one or both kidneys. It occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder up into the kidneys, causing inflammation and potential damage. Kidney infections typically do not resolve on their own and require prompt medical attention to prevent severe complications.
Recognizing a Kidney Infection
Recognizing the signs of a kidney infection is crucial for timely care. Symptoms often include fever, chills, and shaking. Pain is commonly felt in the back, side, or groin, usually below the ribs, and may be more pronounced on one side.
Other symptoms include nausea, sometimes vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell. Urinary symptoms may also be present, such as frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine. While some urinary symptoms can occur with a bladder infection, fever, chills, and back pain often indicate a kidney infection.
Why Medical Intervention is Essential
Kidney infections rarely resolve without medical intervention because they are almost always caused by bacteria. These bacteria, often originating from the digestive tract, ascend through the urinary system to infect kidney tissues. Unlike minor infections the body’s immune system might overcome, a bacterial kidney infection requires specific antibiotic medication to eliminate the pathogens.
Leaving a kidney infection untreated can lead to serious health consequences. Persistent inflammation and bacterial presence can cause permanent kidney damage, including scarring. This damage can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste, potentially contributing to high blood pressure or, in severe cases, leading to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. An untreated kidney infection also risks bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis can cause organ failure and requires immediate medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a kidney infection typically begins with a medical evaluation and a urine test. A urinalysis can detect signs of infection, such as white blood cells or bacteria, while a urine culture identifies the specific bacteria. Blood tests may also be performed to check for infection spread or assess kidney function. For complex cases, imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan might be necessary to visualize the urinary tract.
The primary treatment involves antibiotics, prescribed based on the identified bacteria. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure all bacteria are eradicated and prevent recurrence or antibiotic resistance. In severe cases, such as inability to keep down oral medications, high fever, or unresponsive infection, hospitalization may be required for intravenous antibiotics.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seeking medical attention promptly is important if you suspect a kidney infection, especially with symptoms like fever, chills, back pain, or painful urination. Immediate consultation is particularly important for individuals who are pregnant, elderly, have a weakened immune system, or have pre-existing kidney conditions, as they may be at higher risk for complications.
Taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of kidney infections. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Practicing good hygiene and promptly treating any bladder infections are also important, as these can otherwise ascend and develop into a kidney infection.