What Does Kidney Infection Feel Like?
What Does Kidney Infection Feel Like? A kidney infection can make you feel very uncomfortable. It can make everyday tasks hard. This condition is called pyelonephritis. It starts with a sharp or dull pain in the lower back, usually on one side.
This pain means there’s a problem with one or both kidneys. People with a kidney infection also get a high fever and feel very unwell. It’s important to know these symptoms of kidney infection to get help fast.
Waiting too long can make things worse. The pain is constant and throbs. Some people also feel nauseous and may vomit. This shows how important it is to catch a kidney infection early.
Understanding Kidney Infections
Kidney infections are serious and start as a lower urinary tract infection (UTI). They begin in the urethra or bladder and can move up to the kidneys. This causes inflammation and can harm the kidneys if not treated.
What is a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, happens when bacteria get into the kidneys. These bacteria usually come from a UTI and move up the urinary tract. Symptoms include back and side pain, fever, and problems with urination. If not treated, it can become a long-term issue.
How Common are Kidney Infections?
Kidney infections are a big health problem in the U.S., says the CDC. Women get them more often than men because of their anatomy. People with weak immune systems, like those with diabetes or on certain medicines, are also at higher risk.
Data shows kidney infections are common across different groups, making awareness and prevention key.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Infection
It’s important to spot kidney infection signs early. Look out for UTI symptoms like back pain, fever, and stomach issues. These can mean you have a kidney infection.
Lower Back Pain
Intense back pain is a key sign of a kidney infection. This pain is usually below the ribs. It can feel like a dull ache or sharp pains.
This pain gets worse when you move. It’s linked to the kidneys getting inflamed and infected.
High Fever
A high fever happens when your body fights an infection. With a kidney infection, you might also feel cold and sweat a lot. A high fever means your body is battling a serious infection. You should see a doctor.
Frequent Urination
Needing to pee a lot is often seen with UTIs, but it can also mean a kidney infection. You might feel like you always need to go, even if you just went. This can also make you feel uncomfortable or like it burns when you pee.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can happen with a bad infection that spreads. These stomach issues, along with back pain and pee problems, mean you might have a kidney infection. You should get help right away.
What Causes a Kidney Infection?
Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract. A common cause is an E. coli infection. This bacteria usually comes from the gut and moves to the urinary tract, causing an infection.
Other things can also make you more likely to get a kidney infection. These include:
- Urinary tract blockages like kidney stones or a big prostate, which stop urine from flowing well and let bacteria grow.
- Conditions that weaken your immune system, such as diabetes or HIV, making it tough for your body to fight off infections.
- Structural problems in the urinary tract, which let bacteria easily reach the kidneys.
Knowing what causes kidney infections helps us prevent and manage them. The Infectious Diseases Society of America says treating urinary tract blockages and other factors early can lower the risk of serious infections. The American Urological Association agrees, stressing the importance of quick action to avoid kidney infection problems.
Kidney Infection Pain: What to Expect
When you have a kidney infection, you might feel a lot of pain. This pain can show up in different ways and can be very strong. You might feel back discomfort in the lower back or lumbar area. This happens because the infection hits the kidneys, which sit just below the ribcage towards the back.
You might also feel flank pain. The flanks are the sides of your body between the lower ribs and the hips. This pain is steady and might spread to the front of your belly or down to your groin. Moving around can make the pain worse. So, it’s important to see a doctor quickly.
It’s important to know how the pain can change because of different things:
| Characteristics | Description | Potential Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Lower back, flanks | Can radiate to the abdomen or groin |
| Intensity | Moderate to severe | Varies with activities and movements |
| Duration | Persistent | May worsen without treatment |
How Kidney Infection is Diagnosed
Doctors use history, physical checks, and lab tests to find a kidney infection. These steps help them know for sure if it’s a kidney infection or another UTI.
Medical History
First, doctors look at your medical history. They check your symptoms like pain and fever. They also look at past UTIs and health risks.
Physical Examination
Then, doctors do a physical check. They feel your belly and back for pain. This helps them see where and how bad the pain is.
Laboratory Tests
Lab tests are key to confirm a kidney infection. Urine tests look for bacteria and white blood cells. Sometimes, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans are used too. These help see the kidneys and urinary tract clearly. They help find any problems or blockages.
What Does Kidney Infection Feel Like?
Kidney infection can feel very bad and scary. Many people say it starts like a urinary tract infection but gets much worse. It feels like really bad lower back pain or cramps.
This pain is usually on one side of the body, near the kidneys. It can spread to the groin or belly.
The symptoms of kidney infection are not just pain. People also feel high fever, chills, and get very tired. One person said it felt like having the flu but with worse back pain.
When the pain gets worse, many people go to the doctor right away. This is very important to do early. Waiting too long can make things worse.
A helpful table based on what patients say can make things clearer:
| Symptom | Common Description | Comparative Pain Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Back Pain | Sharp, intense pain on one side | Comparable to severe muscle spasms |
| Fever and Chills | High fever with shivering | Similar to severe flu symptoms |
| Frequent Urination | Increased urgency to urinate | Comparable to a severe UTI |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Persistent nausea and occasional vomiting | Similar to a bad stomach virus |
It’s important to know all the symptoms of kidney infection. Recognizing them early and getting help quickly is key to staying healthy.
Kidney Infection Treatment Options
Each person gets a special treatment plan for kidney infections. This plan depends on how bad the infection is and the person’s health. There are many ways to fight kidney infections.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are key in treating kidney infections. They kill the bacteria causing the infection. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
The type and length of antibiotics depend on the patient’s health and the infection’s severity. This is based on guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Hospitalization
Some people need to stay in the hospital for kidney infections. This is true for very bad infections or if they get worse. Reasons for hospital care include high fever, a lot of pain, not having enough fluids, or sepsis.
In the hospital, patients get antibiotics through a vein. They also get fluids and help with pain. Studies in Hospital Medicine Clinics show that quick hospital care helps people get better faster and avoids more problems.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery might be needed if a kidney infection keeps coming back or doesn’t get better with usual treatments. Surgery can drain abscesses, remove blockages, or even take out part or all of the kidney. Urology surgery articles talk about how surgery should be planned carefully for each patient’s needs.
| Treatment Option | Indications | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic Therapy | Bacterial infections, mild to moderate severity | Effective, non-invasive, commonly available |
| Hospitalization | Severe infections, complications, dehydration | Close monitoring, intravenous antibiotics |
| Surgical Intervention | Chronic infections, structural issues, abscesses | Definitive solution, addresses underlying causes |
Home Remedies for Kidney Infection
Looking into at-home kidney infection care can help along with doctor’s treatments. Drinking lots of water is key; it flushes out bacteria and helps heal you. Also, clear broths and herbal teas keep you hydrated.
Using a warm compress or heating pad on your lower back can ease the pain. Make sure to use it for 20 minutes max to avoid skin problems. This is a simple way to feel better and be more comfortable.
What you eat is very important when you have a kidney infection. Eating foods like fruits and veggies boosts your immune system. Cranberries or cranberry juice might stop bacteria from sticking in your urinary tract. But, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods as they can make things worse. These home remedies can help, but always talk to a doctor for the best treatment plan.
FAQ
What does a kidney infection feel like?
Kidney infections cause sharp or dull pain in the lower back. They also cause fever and make you feel unwell. The pain is like a throbbing ache that might spread to your abdomen or groin.
What is a kidney infection?
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, starts in the urethra or bladder. It then moves to one or both kidneys. It's a serious condition that needs quick medical care.
How common are kidney infections?
Kidney infections are quite common, especially in women. They're more likely if you've had UTIs before or have urinary tract problems. Women who are pregnant or have diabetes are at higher risk, says the CDC and Kidney Foundation.
