Kidney Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Quick Overview of Kidney Infection

Before exploring kidney infections in depth, let’s start with a quick overview of this health condition.

What is a Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?

A kidney infection is medically known as pyelonephritis. It is a severe type of UTI that occurs when bacteria travel up from the bladder to one or both kidneys.

The bacteria multiply in the kidneys, causing inflammation, pain, and difficulty passing urine. This can interfere with the kidneys’ primary function of filtering waste and excess fluid.

Hence, a kidney infection is a serious condition that requires proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Kidney Infections

Based on their duration and severity, kidney infections are categorised into two main types:

• Acute Kidney Infection: Develops suddenly and causes symptoms such as fever, chills, back pain, and painful urination. It usually improves with timely antibiotic treatment.
• Chronic Kidney Infection: Involves repeated or persistent kidney infections, often due to urinary tract abnormalities or blockages. It can cause kidney scarring and impair kidney function.

Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

Kidney infections often develop after a UTI and usually cause similar but more severe symptoms. 

Common symptoms of a kidney infection include:

• High fever and chills
• Pain in the lower back or sides
• A burning sensation while urinating
• Changes in urine colour
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness

Common Causes of Kidney Infection

Kidney infections are primarily caused by bacteria that enter the kidneys through the bladder and urethra. One of the most common causes is Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Common contributing factors include:

• Untreated UTIs
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract obstructions
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract
• Use of bladder catheters

Also check for medication-related UTIs in males.

Possible Complications of Kidney Infection

Timely diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment are essential for treating a kidney infection and preventing complications.

However, delaying medical treatment or failing to follow the prescribed treatment plan can lead to the following complications:

Who is More at Risk of Kidney Infections?

While kidney infections can affect anyone, women are more likely to develop them due to their anatomy.

In addition, people with certain medical conditions or risk factors are more likely to develop kidney infections, including:

• Women
• People with diabetes
• People with kidney stones
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who use urinary catheters
• People with nerve or spinal cord damage

Diagnosis of Kidney Infections

Doctors evaluate a patient's symptoms, medical history, and test results to confirm a kidney infection and identify the bacteria causing it.

The following tests are commonly performed:

• Urine Routine Test: Helps detect the presence of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and bacteria in the urine.
• Urine Culture Test: Identifies the bacteria causing the infection and helps determine the most appropriate antibiotics.
• Blood Tests: Tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) can help identify signs of infection and assess kidney function.
• Blood Culture: Used in severe cases to determine whether bacteria have entered the bloodstream.
• Imaging Tests: If the doctor suspects a blockage, kidney stone, abscess, or other complication, or if the patient does not improve after treatment, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be recommended.

How to Treat a Kidney Infection?

For the treatment of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), doctors may prescribe antibiotics, pain-relieving medications, or surgical procedures in severe cases.

The type of bacteria, severity of symptoms, and the patient's overall health will determine the most suitable treatment. The goal is to eliminate the infection, relieve associated symptoms, and prevent kidney damage.

Antibiotic Medication for Pyelonephritis

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial kidney infections. After evaluating the patient and reviewing the test results, the doctor will prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic.

Pain and Fever Management

Medications such as paracetamol are often recommended by doctors to manage fever and pain associated with kidney infections.

You should not take painkillers such as ibuprofen without consulting a doctor, as they may affect kidney function.

Hospital Treatment

People with severe pyelonephritis may require hospitalisation. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous (IV) antibiotics to treat the infection.
• IV fluids to manage dehydration.
• Monitoring of kidney function and other critical health parameters.
• Surgical procedures to remove urinary blockages, if necessary.

Supportive Care

Along with prescribed kidney infection treatment, certain measures can help support recovery:

• Drink enough water to maintain hydration unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluid intake.
• Get sufficient rest.
• Avoid holding urine for long periods.
• Follow the prescribed treatment schedule and complete the full course of antibiotics.

Also know what to eat during a urinary tract infection.

Ways to Prevent Kidney Infections

A few simple changes to your daily habits can help reduce the risk of kidney infections (pyelonephritis). 

These include maintaining good hygiene, drinking plenty of fluids, and following healthy urinary habits.

To reduce the risk of kidney infections and their complications, you should:

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Avoid holding your urine for too long.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry.
• Avoid rushing while urinating and ensure that you empty your bladder.
• Seek timely medical treatment if you experience symptoms of a kidney infection.
• Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Follow proper instructions for catheter use if you use a urinary catheter.

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Medical Attention

Kidney infections can sometimes cause symptoms that may indicate serious complications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs:

• Difficulty speaking or confusion.
• Severe vomiting.
• Little or no urine output.
• Rapid breathing.
• Palpitations.
• Extreme weakness, fainting, or difficulty staying awake.
• Severe shortness of breath or signs of shock.

Conclusion

A kidney infection is a serious urinary tract infection that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Do not overlook symptoms such as fever, chills, back pain, and painful urination.

Most bacterial kidney infections respond well to treatment, but delays in seeking medical care can increase the risk of kidney damage and other complications.

Maintaining good genital hygiene, drinking sufficient fluids, and seeking prompt treatment for UTIs can help reduce the risk of kidney infections.