A kidney infection can be identified by symptoms such as fever and chills, pain in the lower back, side or groin, frequent or painful urination, burning sensation while urinating, nausea or vomiting, and urine that may be cloudy, dark, bloody, or have a foul smell. Some other signs include a strong, persistent urge to urinate and, in severe cases, symptoms like confusion or rapid breathing which may indicate sepsis. If such symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment, often involving antibiotics and possibly imaging tests to check for complications.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Infection
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the lower back, side, or groin
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, dark, or bloody urine
- Feeling sick to the stomach
When to See a Doctor
- If symptoms of a kidney infection appear
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve after treatment for a lower UTI
- Presence of severe symptoms like high fever, chills, confusion, or vomiting
- Any blood in the urine or signs of systemic infection (sepsis)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose kidney infections by reviewing symptoms and conducting urine tests to detect infection. Blood tests and imaging scans (ultrasound or CT) may be used for severe cases or recurrent infections. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, sometimes requiring hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics if severe.
Prompt medical care is crucial to prevent complications and permanent kidney damage.
