Causes of kidney infection A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.
What is the main cause of kidney infection?
Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney infections. Bacteria from an infection in another part of the body also can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys.
What are the warning signs of kidney infection?
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually develop quite quickly over a few hours or days.
- pain and discomfort in your side, lower back or around your genitals.
- a high temperature.
- shivering or chills.
- feeling very weak or tired.
- loss of appetite.
- feeling sick or being sick.
- diarrhoea.
How long does it take to recover from a kidney infection?
After taking antibiotics, you should feel completely better after about two weeks. In rare cases, a kidney infection can cause further problems.
What is the most common treatment for kidney infection?
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney infections. The drugs used and the length of time of the treatment depend on your health and the bacteria found in your urine tests. Symptoms of a kidney infection often begin to clear up within a few days of treatment.
What is the difference between a UTI and a kidney infection?
A kidney infection is, in essence, a UTI that has spread into the kidneys. While this type of infection is rare, it’s also very dangerous and if you’re experiencing any of the following signs of a kidney infection, you should see a doctor immediately: Upper back or side pain. Fever, shaking or chills.
How can you tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI?
UTIs cause pain or burning during urination. You may also have: Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine. Difficulty urinating.
A kidney infection can also cause the symptoms listed above, as well as:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Pain in the back, side or groin.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
What should I avoid if I have a kidney infection?
If you have kidney disease, reducing your potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake can be an important aspect of managing the disease. The high sodium, high potassium, and high phosphorus foods listed above are likely best limited or avoided.
What is the best antibiotic for a kidney infection?
Commonly used antibiotics for kidney infections include ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, co-amoxiclav or trimethoprim. Painkillers such as paracetamol can ease pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). Stronger painkillers may be needed if the pain is more severe.
When should you go to the ER for a kidney infection?
If treated promptly, a kidney infection shouldn’t cause serious harm. If you experience a fever over 101°F, pain, are unable to drink or take oral medication along with some of the other symptoms, get to the nearest urgent care or ER.
Do you have to stay in hospital with kidney infection?
As long as there are no complications, you should typically be well enough to leave hospital in 3 to 7 days. Treatment will usually switch to tablets or capsules after you stop receiving antibiotics through a drip. You may need further investigations if you get more than one kidney infection.
What does pain in kidney feel like?
Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache that gets worse if someone gently presses on that area. While it is more common to feel kidney pain on only one side, some health problems may affect both kidneys and cause pain on both sides of your back.
How can I check my kidneys at home?
4 Best At-home Kidney Test Kits
- Best blood sample test: LetsGetChecked Kidney Test.
- Best blood test for detailed results: Verisana Kidney Function Test.
- Best urine-based test: Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney.
- Best combination kit: Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package.
Can you have a kidney infection without a UTI?
Some kidney infections can develop without a bladder infection and are due to a problem within the kidney itself. As an example, people with kidney stones or an abnormality of the kidney are more susceptible to kidney infections.
Can a kidney infection go away on its own?
Kidney infections can lead to serious complications if untreated so it is important to see a doctor and not wait to see if the infection goes away on its own. Treatment for kidney infections depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health.
Is a kidney infection contagious?
A kidney infection is not contagious–you cannot catch one from another person or spread a kidney infection if you have one.
Would a kidney infection show up in a urine test?
Bacteria also can be found in the urine of healthy people, so a kidney infection is diagnosed based both on your symptoms and a lab test. Urine culture. A health care professional may culture your urine to find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection.
How do I know if my back pain is kidney related?
What are common kidney pain symptoms?
- A constant, dull ache in your back.
- Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.
- Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
- Pain that spreads to your groin area.
- Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.
Can a kidney infection clear without antibiotics?
A kidney infection is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. Home remedies can be used as a complementary treatment to help ease other symptoms, but make sure you ask a doctor before using them to ensure they won’t interfere with your treatment.
Where would it hurt for kidneys?
You might feel kidney pain or discomfort as a dull, one-sided ache in your upper abdomen, side or back. But pain in these areas is often unrelated to your kidneys. Your kidneys are situated in the back of your abdomen under your lower ribs, one on each side of your spine.
What’s the difference between kidney stones and kidney infection?
Kidney stones are crystalized deposits of minerals that your kidneys cannot dissolve. They solidify and grow to create a “stone” like object that can be very painful to pass. A UTI, on the other hand, is an infection in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, bladder, or urethra.