If you do not have a fever or flank pain, but you do have pain with urination, you may have a bladder infection rather than a kidney infection. Although most kidney infections do not cause permanent damage, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications
KIDNEY INFECTION OVERVIEW
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys. Kidney infections are less common than bladder infections, and are more common in women than men.
Kidney infections can usually be treated at home with antibiotics, but are sometimes treated in the hospital if the infection is severe.
This article will review the causes, symptoms, and treatment of kidney infections. An article about bladder infections is available separately.
KIDNEY INFECTION CAUSES
Most kidney infections occur when bacteria, which normally live in the gut and travel to the genital area and from there into the bladder through the urethra. From the bladder, the bacteria travel up the ureter(s) into the kidney(s) . You can have a kidney infection in one or both kidneys.
Factors that increase the risk of developing a kidney infection include:
●Having sex frequently or having a new sex partner
●Having diabetes
●Having a bladder or kidney infection in the past 12 months
●Using a spermicide for birth control or prevention of infection
●Having a condition that blocks or changes the flow of urine in the kidneys (eg, kidney stones, ureteral reflux)
●Having a mother, sister, or daughter with a history of urinary tract infection
KIDNEY INFECTION SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a kidney infection include:
●Fever (temperature greater than 99.9°F or 37.7°C)
●Pain in the flank (side of lower back, where the kidney is located)
●Nausea and/or vomiting
Some people also have burning or pain with urination, a need to rush to the bathroom frequently, bloody or cloudy urine, or pain above the pubic bone (near the bladder). In men, infection can also involve the prostate, which might cause pain in the pelvis or perineum (the space between the anus and scrotum).
If you do not have a fever or flank pain, but you do have pain with urination, you may have a bladder infection rather than a kidney infection. Your healthcare provider can help to determine your diagnosis.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Although most kidney infections do not cause permanent damage, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
KIDNEY INFECTION DIAGNOSIS
Kidney infections are usually diagnosed based upon your symptoms, a physical examination, and urine testing. A urine test should be done to determine which bacteria are causing the infection and whether the usual antibiotics are likely to be effective. Imaging tests are not usually needed, but might be done if the diagnosis is not clear or if your healthcare provider suspects a blockage in the urinary tract.