If treated with antibiotics straight away a kidney infection does not cause serious harm, although you'll feel very unwell. If a kidney infection is not treated, it can get worse and sometimes cause permanent kidney damage.
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.
If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as: Kidney scarring. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure. Blood poisoning.
A kidney infection is not to be taken lightly, and you should never ignore the symptoms. Left untreated, this type of infection can cause permanent damage to your kidneys and lead to other severe complications.
Make sure you get plenty of rest. A kidney infection can be physically draining, even if you're normally healthy and strong. It may take up to 2 weeks before you're fit enough to return to work.
Most people with kidney infection respond well to antibiotics and make a good recovery. The time it takes for your infection to go depends on how severe it was to begin with – it can be days or weeks. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms clear up before you finish them.
If you have symptoms such as pain in the sides of your lower back, fever, chills or pain while urinating (i.e., peeing), contact your doctor right away. Kidney infection can be serious if not treated with antibiotics or other medicines.
Sometimes, kidney infections can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in people with a weakened immune system or other underlying health issues. These include: Emphysematous pyelonephritis. This is a condition where bacteria start destroying parts of your kidneys and create gas.
If your kidney infection is severe, you may need to go to the hospital. Treatment might include antibiotics and fluids through a vein in your arm. How long you'll stay in the hospital depends on how severe your infection is.
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.
Some people develop a chronic infection of the kidney that is very stubborn and hard to get rid of. A continuing problem with a kidney infection is called chronic pyelonephritis.
Sepsis can overwhelm the body. This can cause vital organs to shut down. This usually starts with the kidneys.
You have symptoms that a kidney infection is getting worse. These may include: Pain or burning when you urinate. A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
If you have kidney pain that doesn't go away, the first thing you should do is call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, severe nausea or vomiting, fevers or chills, or an inability to pee.
What does kidney pain 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.
A kidney infection usually starts out as a urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder. There's no rule for how long it takes a UTI to spread from your bladder to your kidneys. For a mild kidney infection, treatment can last 7 to 14 days.
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.
A health care professional may use imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound, to help diagnose a kidney infection. A technician performs these tests in an outpatient center or a hospital. A technician may perform an ultrasound in a doctor's office as well.
Make sure you get plenty of rest. A kidney infection can be physically draining, even if you're normally healthy and strong. It may take up to 2 weeks before you're fit enough to return to work.
Your specialist will complete a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and history related to your kidney infection. Blood tests. Your specialist will obtain a sample of your blood for close analysis in the lab. If your blood contains bacteria or other organisms, you may have a kidney infection.