A kidney infection is a serious complication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
At Banner Health, we are here to help you understand kidney infections and provide effective treatments and preventive tips.
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, happens when bacteria or viruses enter the urinary tract and travel up to one or both kidneys. It usually starts with a UTI in the bladder or urethra (the opening where urine comes out).
Without treatment, a kidney infection can cause lasting damage to the kidneys and individuals can become very ill quickly. This is why it’s dangerous when a UTI spreads to the kidneys.
Most kidney infections are caused by bacteria, often E. coli (Escherichia coli). Other types of bacteria include P. mirabilis (Proteus mirabilis) and Enterobacteriaceae.
Your kidneys and urinary tract filters waste products from your bloodstream and eliminates them as urine through the bladder and urethra. Sometimes, bacteria from the skin or rectum (anus) can enter the urethra and move up into the bladder, causing a UTI (this is referred to as cystitis or a bladder infection when localized to the bladder).
If the infection is not treated, the bacteria can continue to travel up the ureters (the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys) and reach the kidneys.
Certain people are more likely to get kidney infections. Here are some common risk factors:
Signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may depend on age. Kidney infection symptoms may include:
In children and older adults, symptoms might be less obvious. Some children may have a high fever or problems peeing. Some may not be able to describe their pain or discomfort clearly to you. Instead of clear pain or fever, older adults may experience confusion, weakness or changes in mental status.
See your health care provider if symptoms continue beyond a few days or if they worsen.
If left untreated, a severe kidney infection can lead to dangerous complications including:
Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It is a full body infection caused by a large number of bacteria. Without fast medical treatment, it can lead to organ failure and even death.
A kidney infection can develop quickly over a few hours or days. Any of the above symptoms should trigger a visit to your health care provider. Don’t wait.
Your provider can diagnose a kidney infection with a physical exam and urine test (urinalysis and/or urine culture). A urine sample is analyzed for bacteria, white blood cells and other signs of infection. They may also test your blood and get images of your kidneys.
If you test positive, the infection will be treated with antibiotics. These medications will clear the bacteria from your system. If you are on oral antibiotics, take them as prescribed and finish the entire prescription.
If your kidney infection is severe, you may need hospital treatment. This could include intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids.
To help you feel better, you might:
When it comes to preventing kidney infections, it’s also about preventing UTIs. Here are some ways you can help avoid an infection:
If you experience recurrent UTIs, your physician may refer you to a urologist who can tailor specific therapy to prevent recurrent infections.
If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms of a kidney infection, make an appointment with your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. A timely diagnosis is important to getting you on the road to recovery.