A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that has ascended to one or both kidneys. This condition arises when bacteria travel upwards into the kidneys. A kidney infection is a serious medical condition requiring prompt attention.
Recognizing a Kidney Infection
Symptoms of a kidney infection can manifest suddenly and worsen rapidly. Individuals commonly experience high fever, chills, and shaking. Pain in the side or lower back, known as flank pain, is a distinguishing symptom sometimes radiating to the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting are common.
It can also present with lower UTI signs like frequent, urgent, or painful urination. The urine might appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or contain blood. While lower UTIs primarily affect the bladder or urethra, a kidney infection indicates the bacteria have traveled further into the urinary system. Systemic symptoms like fever and flank pain typically differentiate it from a less severe bladder infection.
Understanding the Urgency
A kidney infection is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Untreated, the infection can lead to severe complications. One significant risk is permanent kidney damage, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. It can also cause scarring within the kidneys.
Bacteria from a kidney infection can also spread into the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis. Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response that can cause organ failure and be fatal. Pregnant individuals with a kidney infection face increased risks, including premature birth or low birth weight. High blood pressure can also result. Prompt treatment prevents escalation and affects other body parts.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, intense flank or back pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, confusion, or a rapid heart rate, seek immediate emergency room care. These symptoms indicate advanced infection requiring urgent intervention. Individuals with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, a weakened immune system, those with only one kidney, or pregnant individuals, should also seek emergency care for kidney infection.
For less severe but persistent symptoms, or if initial UTI symptoms worsen, contacting a doctor or visiting an urgent care center is advisable. Symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain that does not improve warrant a medical consultation. Delaying treatment is dangerous; bacteria spread quickly, increasing severe health risks.
Treatment and Recovery
Diagnosis involves symptom review and lab tests. Urinalysis checks for infection signs like bacteria, white blood cells, or blood. A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria, guiding antibiotic selection. Blood tests assess for bloodstream infection. If symptoms do not improve or blockages are suspected, imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys may be recommended.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for kidney infections. Antibiotic choice and treatment duration depend on the bacteria identified and infection severity. Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is cleared and prevent recurrence. Pain relief and adequate hydration are important during recovery.
For severe infections, hospitalization may be necessary, where antibiotics can be administered intravenously. Most individuals start feeling better within two to three days of starting antibiotics, with complete recovery typically taking about two weeks, though it can extend to a month in some cases, especially for more severe infections or in older individuals. Follow-up care, including repeat urine tests, may be advised to confirm the infection has resolved.