A urine test can't tell whether the infection – if you have one – is in your kidneys or another part of your urinary system, such as your bladder. For your GP to be confident you have a kidney infection, you need to have a positive urine test plus certain symptoms, such as a fever or a pain in your side.
A positive strip result for white blood cells in your urine indicates an infection in your urinary tract, or possibly, kidney disease.
Your doctor can determine if you have a UTI or a kidney infection by reviewing your symptoms, analyzing a urine sample, and ordering certain blood tests. They may also order imaging studies or other tests to monitor your kidney function. UTIs and kidney infections are treated with antibiotics.
Urinalysis For this test, you'll urinate into a container at your doctor's office or lab. A sample of your urine will be viewed under a microscope, to look for bacteria or white blood cells, which can indicate an infection.
When bacteria or viruses get into your kidneys, usually through your urinary tract, they can cause a kidney infection. If you have symptoms such as pain in the sides of your lower back, fever, chills or pain while urinating (i.e., peeing), contact your doctor right away.
Lower urinary tract infections can quickly develop into kidney infections over a few hours to a few days. If your health care provider suspects a kidney infection, they will obtain a urine sample and order urine tests. Sometimes, they may order an imaging study such as a CT scan.
Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side. In addition to feeling unwell like this, you may also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis.
Home remedies alone as a treatment for kidney infections are not a good idea. Kidney infections can cause severe symptoms and lead to kidney damage, and so a person will need antibiotics to treat the infection.
Kidney infections can lead to serious complications if untreated so it is important to see a doctor and not wait to see if the infection goes away on its own. Treatment for kidney infections depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.
A kidney infection is, in essence, a UTI that has spread into the kidneys. While this type of infection is rare, it's also very dangerous and if you're experiencing any of the following signs of a kidney infection, you should see a doctor immediately: Upper back or side pain. Fever, shaking or chills.
Antibiotics treat both UTIs and kidney infections. Your dosage will vary based on how severe your infection is. For a UTI, normally taking antibiotics for one to two days is enough to help you feel better. Make sure to finish the entire dosage per your provider's instructions.
Commonly used antibiotics for kidney infections include ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, co-amoxiclav or trimethoprim. Painkillers such as paracetamol can ease pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). Stronger painkillers may be needed if the pain is more severe.
Blood tests.
Your specialist will obtain a sample of your blood for close analysis in the lab. If your blood contains bacteria or other organisms, you may have a kidney infection.
If your urine is clear and you're not on a water pill or drinking a lot of water, it may signal an underlying kidney problem or possibly diabetes.
If the infection continues up to the kidneys, it can cause kidney infection. This problem is rare but it can be severe. About 1 in every 30 cases of UTI leads to a kidney infection. You are more likely to get a kidney infection if you have frequent bladder infections or have a structural problem in the urinary tract.
If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as: Kidney scarring. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure.
A kidney infection is not to be taken lightly, and you should never ignore the symptoms. Left untreated, this type of infection can cause permanent damage to your kidneys and lead to other severe complications.
Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
Some of the most common kidney pain symptoms include: A constant, dull ache in your back. Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen. Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
If your kidney infection is severe, you may need to go to the hospital. Treatment might include antibiotics and fluids through a vein in your arm. How long you'll stay in the hospital depends on how severe your infection is.
Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it's felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage.
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.