Kidney infections may occur in one or both kidneys. The kidneys remove waste from the body through urine. They also balance the water and mineral content in the blood. An infection can cause pain and swelling which may stop the kidneys from working as needed.
Kidney infections are caused by a bacteria. The bacteria often enters the lower part of the urinary tract first. It can then grow and cause a UTI. If the UTI is left untreated it can spread up into the kidneys. Most UTIs are caused by a bacteria that normally live in the colon or vagina. It gets passed to the opening of the urinary tract during everyday activities.
Problems with the shape of the urinary tract may also slow or block the flow of urine. This may make it easier for infections to develop.
Women have a higher risk of kidney infection than men. Factors that may increase your chance of a kidney infection include:
Some conditions may increase the chance of a kidney infection include:
Symptoms of kidney infection may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of your urine will be studied for blood and pus. Sometimes the urine will be tested to look for the exact type of bacteria.
A UTI may be suspected based on the symptoms alone. It may not be important to know exactly where the infection is. Images of the kidney may be needed for severe symptoms. Options include:
A kidney infection can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all of the medication as recommended. A hospital stay may be needed with a severe kidney infection. This will allow the antibiotics to be delivered through IV.
If the shape of the urinary tract was causing the infection other help may be needed. This may include a surgery to fix the problem.
Poorly treated or untreated kidney infections can lead to:
To help decrease the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
National Kidney Foundation
Urology Care Foundation
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Women's Health Matters
Complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114928/Complicated-urinary-...ct-infection-UTI. Updated January 26, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis. Accessed August 17, 2015.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116894/Uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-UTI-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis. Updated March 15, 2017. Accessed November 30, 2017.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T904748/Urinary-tract-i...ction-UTI-in-men. Updated January 26, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.