A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a painful and unpleasant illness. It is usually caused by infection spreading upwards from an infected bladder (cystitis). Most people with cystitis will not get a kidney infection. But, sometimes, the bacteria can travel up from the bladder into one or both kidneys. Some
people are more likely to develop a kidney infection if they have a kidney disorder such as: If treated with antibiotics straight away, a kidney infection does not cause serious harm. But you can feel very unwell. A kidney infection can get worse if it is not
treated. It can sometimes cause permanent kidney damage. Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. Read more about the symptoms of a kidney infection Besides feeling unwell, you may also have symptoms of infection elsewhere in the urinary tract such as cystitis. These include:
When to see your GPSee your GP if you feel feverish and have pain that won't go away in your tummy, lower back or genitals. You should also see a GP if you have symptoms of a UTI that haven't improved after a few days, or if you have blood in your pee. Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if:
If you cannot get a GP appointment, go to your nearest emergency department (ED). Causes of kidney infectionA kidney infection usually happens when bacteria gets into the urethra. This is a tube that carries urine out of your body. The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys. E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm. They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex. They can also be transferred if you're not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo. A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have:
Diagnosing kidney infectionTo work out if you have a kidney infection, your GP will ask about your symptoms and recent medical history. They will carry out a urine test to see if you have a UTI. Your GP may refer you to a specialist urologist for further investigation. Treatment of kidney infectionMost kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics. This is to stop the infection from damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream. You may also need painkillers. If you're vulnerable to the effects of an infection you may get antibiotics through a drip in a hospital. After taking antibiotics, you should feel completely better after about 2 weeks. Read more about treating a kidney infection Most at risk of kidney infectionsKidney infections can happen at any age and are much more common in women. This is because a woman's urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to access the bladder and to sooner or later reach the kidneys. Younger women are most at risk because they tend to be more sexually active. Having frequent sex increases the chances of sooner or later getting a kidney infection. Preventing kidney infectionThe best way to prevent a kidney infection is to keep your bladder and urethra free from bacteria by:
If you keep getting urine infections, your GP may prescribe you a low dose of antibiotics. This may help to prevent the infection returning. It may also prevent any infection spreading to the kidneys. Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123. Page last reviewed: 24 March 2021 What does the beginning of a kidney infection feel like?Symptoms of kidney infection
Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. In addition to feeling unwell like this, you may also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis.
How do you know if an infection has spread to your kidneys?A urine test can't tell whether the infection – if you have one – is in your kidneys or another part of your urinary system, such as your bladder. For your GP to be confident you have a kidney infection, you need to have a positive urine test plus certain symptoms, such as a fever or a pain in your side.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?Symptoms. Nausea.. Vomiting.. Loss of appetite.. Fatigue and weakness.. Sleep problems.. Urinating more or less.. Decreased mental sharpness.. Muscle cramps.. What is the most common cause of a kidney infection?Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney infections. Bacteria from an infection in another part of the body also can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys.
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