🩺 Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Explained

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidneys. Learn symptoms, causes, testing, and treatment in simple terms. 

🩺 Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Explained 

What Is a Kidney Infection? 

How Does a Kidney Infection Happen? 

The urinary tract includes:

• Urethra
  
  

• Bladder
  
  

• Ureters
  
  

• Kidneys
  
  

Bacteria can enter the urinary tract and move upward.

When bacteria reach the kidneys, they can cause:

• Inflammation
  
  

• Pain
  
  

• Fever
  
  

• Kidney damage if not treated quickly
  
  

What Causes Kidney Infections? 

What Are the Symptoms? 

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
  
  

• Pain in the side or back
  
  

• Burning with urination
  
  

• Frequent urination
  
  

• Urgent need to urinate
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Blood in the urine
  
  

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  
  

Kidney infections often make people feel very sick.

How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed? 

Doctors usually diagnose kidney infections with:

Urine Tests

• Urinalysis
  
  

• Urine culture
  
  

• Checking for bacteria, white blood cells, and blood

Blood Tests

• Checking for signs of infection
  
  

• Kidney function tests

Imaging Tests

Sometimes doctors use:

• Kidney ultrasound
  
  

• CT scan
  
  

These help look for:

• Kidney stones
  
  

• Blockages
  
  

• Abscesses

How Is a Kidney Infection Treated? 

Treatment usually includes:

Antibiotics

• Oral antibiotics for mild cases
  
  

• IV antibiotics in the hospital for severe cases

Fluids

• Drinking plenty of water
  
  

• IV fluids if needed

Pain and Fever Control

• Medications for discomfort
  
  

• Rest
  
  

Most people start feeling better within a few days once antibiotics begin.

Can a Kidney Infection Be Serious? 

When Should You Seek Medical Help? 

Seek care right away if you have:

• High fever with back or side pain
  
  

• Shaking chills
  
  

• Vomiting with urinary symptoms
  
  

• Blood in your urine
  
  

• Symptoms of a UTI that are getting worse
  
  

Kidney infections are considered urgent medical problems.

How Can Kidney Infections Be Prevented? 

You can reduce risk by:

• Drinking plenty of water

• Treating bladder infections early

• Urinating when you feel the need

• Practicing good hygiene

• Following medical advice for kidney stones or urinary problems

Important Takeaway 

A kidney infection is more serious than a simple bladder infection, but with quick treatment, most people recover fully.

Never ignore symptoms that suggest a kidney infection.

Related Pages

• Urinalysis Results Explained
  
  

• Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
  
  

• Kidney Ultrasound Explained
  
  

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
  
  

• Chronic Kidney Disease Explained