Overview
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that begins in the urinary tract and spreads to one or both kidneys. It is a medical condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent lasting damage to the kidneys or the spread of infection to the bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, chills, a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, strong urges to urinate, back, side, or groin pain, nausea, vomiting, pus or blood in the urine, and cloudy or bad-smelling urine. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a kidney infection may include fever, chills, a burning feeling or pain when urinating, having to urinate often, a strong, lasting urge to urinate, back, side or groin pain, nausea and vomiting, pus or blood in the urine, urine that smells bad or is cloudy, and belly pain. If you have these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider as prompt medical treatment is necessary to prevent lasting damage to the kidneys or the spread of bacteria to the bloodstream.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing a kidney infection include:
- Being female, as the shorter urethra in women makes it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder.
- Pregnancy, as pregnant women are at an even higher risk of developing a kidney infection.
- Urinary tract blockage, which can slow the flow of urine or make it harder to fully empty the bladder.
- A weakened immune system due to medical conditions like diabetes, HIV, or certain medications.
- Nerve or spinal cord damage that blocks the feeling of a bladder infection, making it difficult to detect a kidney infection. It is essential to seek prompt medical treatment if you suspect a kidney infection, as it can cause lasting damage to the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream, leading to a dangerous infection.
Development
Kidney infections can develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra or bladder, and then travel to one or both kidneys. This type of infection is called pyelonephritis. The most common cause of kidney infections is bacterial infections that enter the urinary tract. Bacteria from an infection in another part of the body can also spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys, although this is less common. In rare cases, an artificial joint or heart valve infection can cause a kidney infection. Kidney infections can also occur after kidney surgery, although this is rare.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you suspect a kidney infection if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, a burning feeling or pain when urinating, frequent urination, strong, lasting urges to urinate, back, side or groin pain, nausea and vomiting, pus or blood in the urine, urine that smells bad or is cloudy, or belly pain. It is important to seek medical care promptly as kidney infections require prompt treatment to avoid lasting damage to the kidneys or potentially dangerous complications. If you have bloody urine, nausea, and vomiting, you should seek medical care right away.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a kidney infection, a healthcare provider may ask for a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood, or pus in the urine. The provider may also take a blood sample for a culture to check for bacteria or other organisms in the blood. Other tests may include an ultrasound, CT scan, or a voiding cystourethrogram, which involves taking X-rays of the bladder while it is full and while urinating.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of a kidney infection include blood poisoning, damage to the body's tissues, death, kidney scarring, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. Severe kidney infections can lead to life-threatening complications, so it's important to seek medical care promptly if you suspect a kidney infection.
Prevention
Kidney infections can be prevented to some extent by taking steps to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here are some ways to reduce the risk of kidney infections:
- Drink fluids, especially water: Staying hydrated helps to flush out bacteria from your body when you urinate.
- Urinate as soon as you need to: Delaying urination when you feel the urge can increase the risk of bacterial growth in your urinary system.
- Empty the bladder after sexual intercourse: Urinating shortly after sexual activity helps to remove bacteria from the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.
- Maintain good hygiene: Wiping from front to back after using the toilet, and keeping the genital area clean and dry can help prevent bacterial growth.
- Practice safe sexual practices: Using condoms during sexual activity can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, which can increase the risk of UTIs and kidney infections.
- Avoid using irritants: Avoiding the use of potentially irritating products such as harsh soaps, bubble baths, and spermicides can help reduce the risk of UTIs and kidney infections.
- Prompt treatment of other infections: Treating any other infections in the body promptly can help prevent the spread of bacteria to the urinary tract. While these measures can help reduce the risk of kidney infections, it's important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of a kidney infection, such as fever, chills, painful urination, frequent urination, and abdominal pain. Prompt medical treatment is necessary to prevent complications and potential damage to the kidneys.
Treatment
The treatments for a kidney infection typically involve antibiotics, which may be given in the hospital. Prompt medical treatment is necessary to prevent lasting damage to the kidneys or the spread of infection to the bloodstream. Symptoms of a kidney infection include fever, chills, a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, strong urges to urinate, back, side, or groin pain, nausea, vomiting, pus or blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and abdominal pain. To reduce the risk of kidney infections, it's important to drink fluids, especially water, urinate as soon as needed, and empty the bladder after sexual intercourse. If you experience symptoms of a kidney infection or are being treated for a UTI but your symptoms are not improving, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider.
Preparing for medical consultation
When preparing for an appointment concerning a kidney infection, it's important to be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet or avoiding certain activities. Symptoms experienced, key personal information, and recent exposure to possible sources of infection should be recorded and shared with your healthcare provider. This information may include any symptoms you're experiencing, any major stresses or recent life changes, and a list of medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking. Additionally, make a note of what seems to improve or worsen your symptoms, and consider bringing a family member or friend along to the appointment to help remember important information and act as an advocate.