A kidney infection, formally known as pyelonephritis, is a serious medical condition where bacteria have traveled from the bladder up into one or both kidneys. This type of infection constitutes an upper urinary tract infection and is far more severe than a simple bladder infection. Because pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that affects a major organ, it cannot be cured or treated effectively with any non-prescription medications. Prompt medical evaluation and prescription treatment are urgently required to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Identifying Serious Symptoms
A kidney infection presents with symptoms that go beyond the typical pain and urgency associated with a lower urinary tract infection (UTI). The most telling signs that the infection has ascended to the kidneys are systemic symptoms that affect the entire body. These often include a high fever, which may be accompanied by uncontrollable shaking or chills, signaling a widespread body response to the infection. Severe pain is a hallmark of pyelonephritis, specifically localized in the flank area, which is the side and back just beneath the ribs. This intense discomfort is often constant and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, meaning the infection requires immediate professional medical intervention.
Immediate Medical Steps
If you suspect a kidney infection based on the presence of fever, chills, and flank pain, you must seek medical care without delay. Contact a primary care provider or visit an urgent care facility immediately for diagnosis and treatment. If your symptoms include signs of severe illness, such as an inability to keep any fluids down due to vomiting, confusion, or a very high or very low body temperature, go to an emergency room. At a healthcare facility, a urine sample will be collected for urinalysis and culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. This diagnostic step is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Over-the-Counter Relief for Discomfort
While waiting for medical treatment or as prescription antibiotics begin to work, you may use certain over-the-counter (OTC) products to manage fever and pain. Acetaminophen, sold under brand names like Tylenol, is the preferred option for managing the fever and discomfort associated with a kidney infection, as it reduces pain signals and lowers body temperature without directly impacting kidney function. It is advisable to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless specifically instructed by a physician. NSAIDs decrease blood flow to the kidneys, which can potentially lead to acute kidney injury or worsen existing kidney issues when the kidneys are stressed by infection. Simple measures like increasing your fluid intake, primarily water, can also help by flushing bacteria from the urinary tract and supporting overall hydration.
Why Prescription Antibiotics Are Mandatory
A kidney infection is caused by uncontrolled bacterial proliferation, often by the E. coli bacteria that ascended from the lower urinary tract. Only targeted prescription antibiotics can effectively eradicate the bacterial population that has colonized the kidney tissue; OTC products can only mask the symptoms and possess no ability to kill the underlying infection. Delaying treatment allows the bacteria to multiply, significantly increasing the risk of the infection spreading into the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition called sepsis or blood poisoning. Untreated pyelonephritis can also cause permanent damage to the kidney tissue, potentially leading to long-term health issues like chronic kidney disease. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the sensitivity of the bacteria identified in the urine culture, and completing the full course of medication is imperative, even if symptoms improve quickly.