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Kidney Infection - Causes and Overview
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Arun Kumar Donakonda , Nephrologists
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a severe medical condition characterized by an infection that affects one or both kidneys.
It typically occurs when bacteria, usually from a urinary tract infection (UTI), spread from the bladder to the kidneys.
What are the Kidney Infection Symptoms and Warning Signs?
A kidney infection happens when bacteria from the urinary tract travel up through the urethra and infect one or both kidneys. It is more common in people who already have a bladder infection, women, and pregnant women.
Kidney infections can be very painful and, if not treated quickly, can cause serious kidney damage.
Call your doctor right away if you have pain in your sides or lower back, chills, fever, or pain when you urinate.
Watch for these Kidney Infection symptoms and consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Chills and shivering
- Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria)
- Strong, constant urge to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the back, side (flank), or groin
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the Different Types of Kidney Infection?
- Acute Kidney Infection: A sudden, severe infection caused by bacteria moving up from the bladder or urethra.
- Chronic Kidney Infection: A long-lasting or repeated infection that can damage the kidneys over time.
- Complicated Kidney Infection: Happens when there are other health problems like kidney stones, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
- Uncomplicated Kidney Infection: An infection in healthy people with normal urinary tracts.
What are the Common Causes of Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) starts when bacteria or germs from the lower urinary tract reach one or both kidneys. Knowing the causes and risk factors helps with early prevention and quick treatment.
Kidney Infection Causes
These are the main medical reasons for kidney infections:
- Bacteria moving up from the bladder or urethra
- Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys
- Recent urinary procedures or using a catheter
- Weak immune system due to chronic illness or certain medications
Risk Factors of Kidney Infection
These are personal or lifestyle factors that increase infection risk:
- Being female: Women have a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter.
- Sexual activity: Can push bacteria into the urinary tract.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder can affect urine flow.
Other Risk Factors
- History of frequent UTIs: Increases chances of kidney infection.
- Diabetes: Weakens the immune system and raises infection risk.
- Older age: Especially for people with other bladder or kidney issues.
- Poor personal hygiene: Can allow bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
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Get Second OpinionHow Kidney Infection is Diagnosed?
To confirm a kidney infection and understand how severe it is, doctors recommend certain tests:
- Urine Test (Urinalysis): Checks for white blood cells, bacteria, or blood, which are signs of infection.
- Urine Culture: Identifies the exact bacteria so the right antibiotics can be given.
- Blood Tests: Look for infection markers (like high white blood cell count) and check kidney function.
- Ultrasound: Checks for swelling, blockages, or structural problems in the kidneys and urinary tract.
- CT Scan: Provides clear images to find kidney stones, abscesses, or serious infections.
If you have back pain, urinary discomfort, or fever, get a medical check-up early to protect your kidneys and start proper treatment.
What are the Treatment Options for Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) needs quick and proper treatment to avoid serious problems like kidney damage or bloodstream infections (sepsis). Treatment depends on how bad the infection is and your overall health.
Kidney Infection Medications
- Antibiotics: These are the main treatment. Mild to moderate cases usually need oral antibiotics at home. Severe cases require IV antibiotics in a hospital.
- Pain relievers: Help reduce fever, back pain, and pain while urinating.
- Antipyretics: Used to lower high fever.
- Duration: Usually taken for 7-14 days, depending on how severe the infection is and how well you respond.
Hospital-Based Care (for severe infections)
- IV fluids to keep you hydrated and support kidney function
- IV antibiotics for faster and stronger infection control
- Close monitoring of kidney health and vital signs
- Special care for high-risk people, such as pregnant women, elderly patients, or those with diabetes
Surgical Intervention
- Draining a kidney abscess if pus has built up
- Removing kidney stones blocking urine flow
- Fixing structural problems in the urinary tract that cause repeated infections
Recovery Timeline
- Mild infections: Usually improve within 1-2 weeks with antibiotics.
- Severe infections: May need 2-3 weeks, including hospital care and follow-up checks.
Full recovery, including regaining energy and normal kidney function, might take longer, especially for older adults or those with weakened immune systems. It's important to finish the full course of antibiotics and follow your doctor's advice to avoid complications.
When to See a Doctor for Kidney Infection?
If you have signs of a kidney infection such as high fever, back or side pain, or strong urinary discomfort, do not delay. Quick treatment prevents the infection from getting worse and harming your kidneys permanently.
Seek Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe pain in the back, sides, or lower abdomen
- Burning while urinating that does not get better
- Nausea or vomiting along with urinary problems
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
If your symptoms last more than 48 hours or get worse despite home care, visit a Medicover center for expert evaluation. Early care helps protect your kidney health.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Kidney Infection Doctors Today
What is the Recovery Process After Kidney Infection Treatment?
Recovering from a kidney infection is about more than just feeling better & it's important to fully heal and protect your kidneys for the future. Here's what to expect:
Follow-Up and Monitoring
- Doctor visits are usually scheduled 7-10 days after finishing antibiotics to make sure the infection is gone.
- Repeat urine tests may be done to confirm no bacteria remain.
- In people with repeated infections, imaging tests or kidney function checks may be needed.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips for Recovery
- Stay hydrated: Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to flush out bacteria and support kidney health.
- Eat healthy meals: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; reduce salt and processed foods.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they slow healing and can harm the kidneys.
- Rest well for the first few days and slowly return to daily activities as advised by your doctor.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Kidney Infection?
Preventing urinary tract infections is the best way to avoid kidney infections. Women can reduce their risk by following these steps:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out bacteria.
- Do not delay urination. Go as soon as you feel the urge.
- Empty your bladder after sex to help clear bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from spreading.
- Avoid using feminine sprays or products in the vaginal area that can irritate or increase infection risk.
Kidney Infection Complications
Untreated kidney infections can lead to serious health problems:
- Permanent kidney damage, which can cause chronic kidney disease or, rarely, kidney failure.
- Sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads to the bloodstream.
- Scarring of the kidneys or high blood pressure (rare but possible).
- In pregnant women, it can lead to low birth weight or early delivery.
Our Experience Treating Kidney Infection
At Medicover, we understand how stressful a kidney infection can be. Our expert team offers caring, advanced treatment using the latest diagnostic tools and personalized plans to help patients recover fully and protect their long-term kidney health.
Your comfort and health are always our top priority.
