What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Kidney Infection
We can call a kidney infection a type of urinary tract infection or UTI. As you are aware, most kidney infections are due to viruses and bacteria. The two first infect your lower urinary tract, which is your bladder. From here, the infection moves up towards one or both of your kidneys. Your kidneys are also essential parts of your urinary tract. In medical terminology, this condition is known as Pyelonephritis. It can be life-threatening. Seek medical help if you notice any signs of kidney infection. Here in this article, we will discuss kidney infection symptoms in men and women.
Pyelonephritis can be serious and life threatening. Persons who already have an underlying condition of kidney stones have higher chances of developing kidney infection. Furthermore, the presence of bacteria and virus can give rise to serious conditions such as sepsis. So, it is wise to seek immediate medical help when the symptoms of kidney infection become apparent. Sometimes, the defence system of your body fails and bacteria or virus can cause a UTI in the bladder. If you have any symptoms of bladder infection, visit your doctor.
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Kidney Infection Symptoms in Men
Kidney infection or UTI affects a few younger men. Men who are above 50 are sometimes prone to kidney infection in a different way. The prostate gland (a gland at the bottom of the bladder and close to the urethra) can enlarge and subsequently obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder. The condition is known as benign hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can prevent the bladder from emptying fully. Now, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and cause an infection.
Cystitis is yet another common condition in men who practise unnatural sex and those who do not undergo circumcision. Some other factors that may increase the chances of UTI include obstructions, which are caused by partial blockage of the urethra- it is known as a stricture. The other cause is the non-natural such as rubber catheter tubes to relieve an obstruction in the urethra. All of these factors may lead to a kidney infection. Some of the symptoms of a kidney infection include:
An intense need to urinate.
Unexpected frequent urination.
Discomfort, pain, or burning sensation during urination.
Getting up from sleep to pass urine.
Tenderness in the bladder region.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the upper back or in the side
Fever with or without chills.
Kidney Infection Symptoms in Women
Women, compared to men, are more affected by kidney infections. So are pregnant mothers, infants under two years of age, and people who are above 60 years. According to estimates, 3 to 4 men in every 10,000 and 15 to 17 women in every 10,000 suffer from a kidney infection.
Women are More Likely to Develop Kidney Infection if -
They had a UTI in the bladder during the past one year,
They are pregnant which results in hormonal change
Have problems in the urinary tract-narrowed urethra, kidney stone, or enlarge prostate.
Have urine reflux, or back up to one or both kidneys.
Have diabetes or a compromised immune system.
Have a spinal cord injury or nerve damage near the bladder.
Have trouble in emptying the bladder fully.
Are sexually active, leading to irritation in the urethra.
Symptoms of a kidney infection in women include fever, chills, back or groin pain, abdominal pain, frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation while urinating, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, pus or blood in urine.
Complications
Whether men or women, a severe kidney infection can become life-threatening if left unattended for long, especially if there are certain underlying conditions. One has to seek immediate medical attention. If there are signs of bloody urine or nausea and vomiting, then in such cases medical help is the first requirement.
As you are aware, the kidneys are an essential part of the urinary tract system in our body. For the smooth function of the human systems, all the systems within our body have to work efficiently. The Kidneys work as a filter within our body. All waste products and excess fluid are thrown out by the kidneys in the form of urine. Hormones produced by kidneys control calcium metabolism and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
FAQs on Kidney Infection Symptoms and Warning Signs Explained
1. What are the symptoms of a kidney infection?
The main kidney infection symptoms include high fever, back or side pain, painful urination, and nausea or vomiting. A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, often develops from a urinary tract infection (UTI) that spreads upward.
- High fever and chills
- Pain in the lower back, side, or flank
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
- Nausea and vomiting
2. What causes a kidney infection?
A kidney infection is usually caused by bacteria that travel from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys. The most common causative organism is Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Bacteria enter through the urethra
- Multiply in the bladder (causing cystitis)
- Travel up the ureters to infect one or both kidneys
3. How do you know if a UTI has turned into a kidney infection?
A UTI may have progressed to a kidney infection if symptoms include fever, flank pain, and systemic illness. Unlike a simple bladder infection, pyelonephritis affects the kidneys and causes more severe signs.
- High fever (often above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- Sharp pain in the back or side
- Chills and fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
4. Where is kidney infection pain felt?
Kidney infection pain is typically felt in the flank region, which is the lower back or side below the ribs. This pain may affect one or both sides depending on whether one or both kidneys are infected.
- Dull or sharp pain in the lower back
- Pain beneath the ribs
- Tenderness when the area is pressed
5. Is a kidney infection serious?
Yes, a kidney infection is a serious condition that can lead to complications if untreated. Because the kidneys filter blood, infection can spread into the bloodstream.
- Risk of sepsis (life-threatening systemic infection)
- Possible permanent kidney damage
- Formation of kidney abscesses
6. What is the difference between a bladder infection and a kidney infection?
The main difference is that a bladder infection (cystitis) affects the lower urinary tract, while a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) affects the upper urinary tract and is more severe.
- Bladder infection: burning urination, frequent urination, mild lower abdominal discomfort
- Kidney infection: high fever, flank pain, nausea, vomiting, systemic illness
7. Can a kidney infection go away on its own?
No, a kidney infection usually does not resolve on its own and requires antibiotic treatment. Without medical care, the infection may worsen and spread.
- Symptoms often intensify over time
- Risk of bloodstream infection increases
- Delayed treatment can cause kidney damage
8. What are the early signs of a kidney infection?
Early kidney infection symptoms often begin with typical UTI signs followed by fever and back pain. Recognizing early symptoms helps prevent complications.
- Frequent and urgent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Mild flank discomfort
- Low-grade fever
9. Who is at higher risk of getting a kidney infection?
People with urinary tract abnormalities or weakened immune defenses are at higher risk of kidney infections. Certain biological and anatomical factors increase susceptibility.
- Women (shorter urethra)
- Individuals with recurrent UTIs
- Pregnant women
- People with kidney stones or urinary obstruction
- Patients with diabetes or weakened immunity
10. How is a kidney infection diagnosed?
A kidney infection is diagnosed through clinical symptoms, urine tests, and sometimes imaging studies. Laboratory testing confirms the presence of bacteria and inflammation.
- Urinalysis to detect white blood cells, bacteria, or blood
- Urine culture to identify the causative organism
- Blood tests if severe infection is suspected
- Ultrasound or CT scan in complicated cases
