A kidney infection happens when bacteria infects your kidneys. The bacteria are usually a type called E. coli, which live in your bowel. The bacteria get in through the opening of the urethra and move upwards through your urinary tract, first infecting your bladder and then your kidneys.
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.
Symptoms of kidney infection
You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. In addition to feeling unwell like this, you may also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis. These include: needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual.
Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover. If your symptoms show no sign of improvement 24 hours after treatment starts, contact a GP for advice.
If the infection moves from your kidneys into your bloodstream, sepsis can occur. Signs and symptoms of this life-threatening condition include: low blood pressure. high fever.
Do not hold your urine for a long time. Urinate before you go to sleep. If you have symptoms of a bladder infection, such as burning when you urinate or having to urinate often, call your doctor or nurse advice line so you can treat the problem before it gets worse.
Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include: Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal. Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet. Shortness of breath.
Blood Tests. Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, a doctor will also use a blood test to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed.
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.
Kidney infections can be sudden or chronic. They're often painful and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
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.
A kidney infection can sometimes lead to a dangerous condition called sepsis link, which can be life threatening. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, rash, and confusion. A kidney infection that becomes chronic, or long lasting, can cause permanent damage to your kidneys.
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.
Cloudy or murky urine
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can cause urine to look cloudy or murky.
In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).
If you are very sick from your kidney infection, you may go to a hospital for bed rest. A health care professional may give you fluids through an IV. If something such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate is blocking your urinary tract, a doctor can sometimes treat the problem with surgery or another procedure.
You should contact your GP if your kidney infection symptoms get worse or don't start to get better within 48 hours (two days) of starting the antibiotic.
About kidney infections
If treated promptly, a kidney infection doesn't cause serious harm, but will make you feel very unwell. If a kidney infection isn't treated, it can get worse and cause permanent kidney damage. Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours.