A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is when bacteria or viruses cause problems in one or both of your kidneys. It’s a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Your kidneys’ main job is to remove waste and take extra water from your blood. They’re part of your urinary tract, which makes liquid waste (urine) and removes it from your body. Like the exhaust system on your car, you want everything to work like it should so waste moves in one direction only: out. Your urinary tract is made up of your: If any of these parts gets germs in it, you can get a UTI. Most often, your bladder gets infected first. This can be painful but isn’t usually serious. But if the bad bacteria or viruses travel up your ureters, you can get a kidney infection. If left untreated, a kidney infection can
cause life-threatening problems. Symptoms of a kidney infection include: You may also have some of the symptoms of a bladder infection, such as: Call your doctor if you have these symptoms, especially if you
have a bladder infection and you’re not getting better. Kidney infections usually start with a bladder infection that spreads to your kidney. Bacteria called E. coli are most often the cause. Other bacteria or viruses can also cause kidney infections. It’s rare, but an
infection can also get in through your skin, make its way into your blood, and travel to your kidney. You can get an infection after kidney surgery, too, but that’s even more unlikely. Anyone can get a kidney infection. But just as women get more bladder infections than men, they
also get more kidney infections. A woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s, and it’s closer to their vagina and anus. That means it’s easier for bacteria or viruses to get into a woman’s urethra, and once they do, it’s a shorter trip to the bladder. From there, they can spread to the
kidneys. Pregnant women are even more likely to get bladder infections. This is because of hormone changes and because a baby puts pressure on the mother’s bladder and ureters and slows the flow of urine. Any problem in your urinary tract that keeps pee from flowing as it should can raise your chances of a kidney infection, such as:
You’re also more likely to get an infection if you have:
Kidney Infection DiagnosisAfter asking about your symptoms, your doctor will probably do tests including:
Your doctor may also use these tests:
If you don’t get treatment, a kidney infection can cause serious problems like:
Kidney Infection TreatmentYour doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics, which you may need for a week or two. Your symptoms should improve within a few days, but make sure to take all of the medicine. If you have a severe infection, you’ll need to stay in the hospital and get antibiotics intravenously (IV), through a needle. If your kidney infections keep coming back, there might be a problem with the structure of your urinary tract. Your doctor may send you to a specialist, such as a urologist. These types of issues often need surgery. Kidney Infection Home RemediesYou can do some things at home to feel better while you have an infection:
Kidney Infection PreventionYou can’t completely prevent bladder infections. But you may be less likely to get one if you:
How do I know if I have a UTI or kidney infection?UTIs cause pain or burning during urination. You may also have: Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine. Difficulty urinating.. Chills.. Fever.. Pain in the back, side or groin.. Nausea.. Vomiting.. Is a kidney infection more serious than a UTI?Kidney infections are actually a type of UTI. They typically occur when a lower UTI is left untreated, allowing the bacteria to spread upward and infect the kidneys. Kidney infections are the most serious type of UTI and can cause serious complications without fast and proper treatment.
|