A kidney infection can make you feel very sick, very fast. What starts as a simple urinary tract infection can move into the kidneys and become much more serious. When this happens, your body often sends strong warning signals.
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that spreads to one or both kidneys. It usually begins in the bladder and travels upward through the urinary tract.
Knowing the signs of a kidney infection can help you act quickly before the infection spreads.
Signs of a Kidney Infection
Kidney infections often cause symptoms throughout the body, not just in the urinary tract. These are some of the most common warning signs to watch for.
1. High Fever With Shaking Chills
Bladder infections typically cause discomfort and urinary symptoms, but not high fever. One of the clearest signs of kidney involvement is a high fever, often above 101°F, accompanied by chills. Fever and shaking chills suggest that the infection has moved beyond the bladder.
2. Back or Side Pain
Flank pain in the upper back or side, just under the ribs, is a classic sign of a kidney infection. The pain may feel:
- Deep and constant
- Aching or sharp
- Worse with movement or pressure
It may radiate toward the lower abdomen or groin. This is different from the lower pelvic pressure that often accompanies a simple UTI.
3. Burning or Frequent Urination
Kidney infections often begin as bladder infections, so urinary symptoms may appear early. You may notice:
- Burning with urination
- Increased urinary frequency
- A strong, urgent need to urinate
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
4. Nausea and Vomiting
A kidney infection can affect more than the urinary tract. It may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite as your body fights the infection.
When urinary symptoms happen along with stomach symptoms, it may mean the infection is more serious.
5. Extreme Fatigue or Feeling Very Ill
People with kidney infections often describe feeling suddenly exhausted or weak. This is more than mild discomfort, and includes:
- General weakness
- Flu-like body aches
6. Cloudy, Bloody, or Strong-Smelling Urine
Urine may change in appearance when an infection is present.
It can appear:
- Cloudy
- Darker than usual
- Pink or red from blood
- Foul-smelling
7. Confusion in Older Adults
Symptoms may not follow the typical pattern in older adults. Instead of reporting flank pain or burning, some older adults develop:
- Sudden confusion
- Disorientation
- Changes in behavior
An abrupt mental status change in an older adult should be taken seriously and should be evaluated right away for a possible infection.
Why Are Kidney Infections Serious?
Kidney infections can become dangerous if not treated promptly, because they may:
- Cause permanent kidney damage
- Lead to high blood pressure
- Reduce kidney function
- Spread to the bloodstream, called sepsis, which can be life-threatening
How Are Kidney Infections Treated?
Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. Mild infections may be treated at home with oral medication. More severe infections may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, depending on how severe the infection is and the type of bacteria causing it.
If a blockage, kidney stone, or structural problem is found, you may need additional treatment to prevent the infection from returning.
When Signs of a Kidney Infection Need Medical Attention
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a kidney infection, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. A urologist can diagnose the infection, start treatment, and help prevent long-term kidney damage.
If you live in the Charlotte, NC or Columbia, SC areas and think you may have a kidney infection, schedule an evaluation today to get the care you need.
