Kidney infection

Overview

A kidney infection usually starts as a bladder infection that travels up.

Untreated, it can spread to the blood.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Fever with side or back pain
• Side (flank) pain
• Burning when urinating

Less common

• Painful peeing
• Vomiting
• Chills

Look up a symptom: Back pain · Burning when urinating · Chills · Fever · Frequent urge to urinate · Nausea · Side (flank) pain · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't caught from someone else. It's caused by germs that already live on or in the body.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women
• Pregnancy

Possible complications

• UTI

Diagnosis

Urine tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine culture:

Treatment

Treat promptly.

Self-care

• Finish antibiotics
• Drink fluids
• Rest
• Use a heating pad for back pain

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Kidney infections need prompt care.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cured with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need a urine culture?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Kidney infection