What Is a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria travel up from the bladder to one or both kidneys.
Common Symptoms
- High fever (often over 101°F/38.3°C)
- Back pain or flank pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Frequent, painful urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Fatigue and weakness
Risk Factors
- Female anatomy
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Recent urinary procedures
- History of UTIs
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider may perform:
- Physical examination
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies (if needed)
Treatment Options
Immediate Care
- Antibiotics (usually for 7-14 days)
- Pain relief medication
- Increased fluid intake
Hospital Care (if needed)
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Fluid management
- Close monitoring
Prevention
- Stay well-hydrated
- Urinate promptly when needed
- Wipe from front to back
- Empty bladder after sexual activity
- Maintain good hygiene
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- High fever with shaking chills
- Severe back or side pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
- Mental changes
Complications if Untreated
- Permanent kidney damage
- Blood infection (sepsis)
- Pregnancy complications
- Chronic kidney disease
Recovery and Follow-up
- Complete all prescribed antibiotics
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Monitor symptoms
- Report any worsening conditions