A kidney infection is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. These infections often start as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a bladder infection and then spread to affect one or both kidneys.
Symptoms may include:
- fever
- chills
- back or side pain
- groin pain
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- frequent urination
- urine that’s cloudy, smells bad, or contains blood
You may be able to use home remedies together with your prescribed medical treatment to ease some symptoms and improve kidney health, but you shouldn’t try to treat yourself alone. Always go to a doctor first, for diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
When to seek immediate medical attention
UTIs are uncomfortable, but they’re not an immediate medical emergency. Some people make the mistake of assuming the same is true with a kidney infection.
Kidney infections are serious conditions and they do require medical attention. Untreated, a kidney infection (sometimes called pyelonephritis) can quickly cause long-term kidney damage or kidney scarring. These infections can also cause sepsis, which can lead to shock.
Because of this, a kidney infection can be fatal if it progresses. It’s important to have it treated immediately by a healthcare professional.
Note that kidney stones, if untreated, can also cause a blockage that can lead to pyelonephritis and sepsis. This may require a procedure done with intravenous antibiotics by a urologist.
