Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects one or both kidneys. These infections occur when bacteria, often from the bladder, travel upwards into the kidneys. Untreated cases can lead to severe complications, so prompt medical attention is necessary.
Recognizing Kidney Infection Symptoms
Recognizing kidney infection symptoms is important for timely treatment, as they can develop quickly, sometimes within a few hours or a day. Common indicators include fever and chills, which may reach a high temperature of 103.1°F (39.5°C). Individuals may also experience pain in the lower back, side, groin, or abdomen.
Changes in urination patterns include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, painful urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. The urine might appear cloudy, have a foul smell, or contain blood or pus.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aching muscles, and a general feeling of weakness or fatigue can also accompany a kidney infection. In very young children, a high temperature might be the only symptom, while older individuals may exhibit confusion or muddled speech instead of typical signs.
Urgent Care for Kidney Infections: Capabilities and Treatment
Urgent care centers can diagnose and treat many kidney infections, particularly when the infection is caught early and the patient does not have severe complications. These facilities provide a convenient and accessible option for immediate medical needs that are not life-threatening. Healthcare professionals at urgent care centers evaluate symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, and offer appropriate treatment.
The diagnostic process at an urgent care center includes a physical examination and a urinalysis, a test that checks the urine for signs of infection like white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. A urine culture may also be performed to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection, which helps guide antibiotic selection. Oral antibiotics are the standard treatment for confirmed kidney infections, with common prescriptions. The course of antibiotics usually lasts between 7 to 14 days, and it is important to complete the entire course even if symptoms improve. Painkillers like paracetamol may also be recommended to reduce fever and discomfort.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While urgent care can manage many kidney infections, certain severe symptoms or conditions warrant immediate emergency room attention. A high fever, especially above 103°F (39.4°C), or a sudden, abnormally low body temperature, indicates a more serious situation. Severe pain in the flank or back, or abdominal pain accompanied by swelling, also suggests the need for emergency care.
Signs of dehydration, such as an inability to keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting, also warrant emergency care. Symptoms of sepsis, a life-threatening complication where the infection spreads to the bloodstream, include mental confusion, a rapid heart rate, chills, shortness of breath, sweating, and intense pain. Patients with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, existing kidney disease, or those who are pregnant, may also require hospital admission for intravenous antibiotic treatment.