There are times when the symptoms of akidney infectioncan turn severe.
Knowing the signs and when to go to the hospital can help you avoid potentially life-threatening complications likekidney failureandsepsis.
This article explains how kidney infections occur, including the causes and symptoms.
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It also describes the signs of a severe kidney infection and what to expect if hospitalization is needed.
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How Does a Kidney Infection Start?
A kidney infection is typically due to bacteria.
Most cases start off as alower urinary tract infectionthat migrates up the urethra to the bladder.
Kidney infections affect females more than males due to their urethras being shorter and situated close to the anus.
A kidney infection can either beacute(sudden and severe) orchronic(persistent or recurrent).
Both can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Acute pyelonephritis is designated as either uncomplicated or complicated.
Uncomplicated kidney infections can usually be treated at home, while complicated cases may requireinpatient carein a hospital.
Given that acute pyelonephritis develops rapidly, it is important to seek immediate care if you develop symptoms.
If your healthcare provider is unavailable, go to your nearest urgent care center.
When treated early, most kidney infections can be cleared with a short course of antibiotics.
Certain people with pyelonephritis may need to be hospitalized even if their symptoms do not seem critical.
This is because the risk of complications is high.
How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed?
A kidney infection is mainly diagnosed with urine tests and imaging studies.
The results of the tests will help direct the appropriate treatment.
This helps ensure the correct treatment is given.
Among the conditions commonly included in thedifferential diagnosisare:
What Is the Treatment for Kidney Infection Like?
For uncomplicated pyelonephritis, the standard treatment is a short course of oral antibiotics taken by mouth.
When hospitalization is needed, the treatment is more oftenintravenous(IV; delivered into a vein).
This is because:
In some cases, IV antibiotics are combined with oral antibiotics.
The standard duration of therapy is seven to 14 days.
The prognosis for a kidney infection is generally good if the appropriate treatment is delivered in a timely manner.
This is true even if a person develops acute kidney failure, the condition of which is usually reversible.
The same cannot be said if treatment is delayed.
With emphysemic pyelonephritis (one of the most severe complications of acute pyelonephritis).
the risk of death is high if left untreated.
If treated appropriately, nearly 9 out of 10 people recover, albeit with some level of kidney dysfunction.
Summary
Uncomplicated kidney infections (acute pyelonephritis) are most often due to the bacteriaE.
coliand treated at home with a five- to 14-day course of oral antibiotics.
Other bacteria can also cause kidney infections, some of which are more difficult to treat.
Unlike ordinary urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections rarely resolve on their own.
For hospitalized people, the treatment usually involves IV fluids and antibiotics.
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