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Kidney infection

Symptoms of kidney infection

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.

These include:

  • needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual
  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • smelly or cloudy pee
  • blood in your pee

Treatment of kidney infection

Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream.

You may also need painkillers.

If you're especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection (for example, if you have a long-term health condition or are pregnant), you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip.

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.

Causes of kidney infection

A kidney infection usually happens when bacteria, often a type called E. coli, get into the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra).

The bacteria travel up to your bladder, causing cystitis, and then up into your kidneys.

E. coli bacteria normally live in your bowel, where they cause no harm.

They can be transferred from your bottom to your genitals during sex or if you're not careful when wiping your bottom after going to the loo.

A kidney infection can sometimes develop without a bladder infection. For example, if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Kidney infections can happen at any age and are much more common in women.

This is because a woman's urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the kidneys.

Younger women are most at risk because they tend to be more sexually active, and having frequent sex increases the chances of getting a kidney infection.

Preventing kidney infection

The best way to prevent a kidney infection is to keep your bladder and urethra free from bacteria by:

  • drinking plenty of fluids (plain water is best)
  • going to the loo as soon as you feel the need to, rather than holding it in
  • going to the loo after sex
  • wiping from front to back after going to the loo
  • washing your genitals every day, and before having sex if possible
  • treating any constipation – being constipated can increase your chance of developing a UTI
  • not using a diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide if you're prone to getting UTIs – it's thought spermicide can increase your risk of getting a UTI

If you keep getting urine infections, a GP may prescribe you a low dose of antibiotics to take regularly.

This may help to prevent the infection returning or any infection spreading to the kidneys.

The main symptoms of a kidney infection are pain in your back or side, feeling sick, shivering and a high temperature.

Kidney infections can be treated with antibiotics from a GP. They need to be treated quickly to reduce the risk of further problems.

Most kidney infections are caused by a bladder infection spreading to your kidneys.

Things you can do that may help prevent kidney infections include staying well hydrated and going for a pee after having sex.

Related links

Kidney infection

Symptoms

Treatment

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30,797 public posts

kidney infection

I’m waiting on lab results for possible kidney infection. Doctor did urine dip test and says signs of infection . Have had my 3 days of anti biotics but pain in side is still really sore How long should pain be there ?
I’m waiting on lab results for possible kidney infection. Doctor did urine dip test and says signs of infection . Have had my 3 days of anti biotics but pain in side is still really sore How long should pain be there ?
Badgercat3 profile image
Badgercat3
in IBS Network
4 months ago

kidney infection and low eGFR result

Hi all, I am currently trying to recover from a suspected kidney infection (protein in urine but not sent to lab), taking a course of antibiotics. I have had various tests done as well as I have had a pain in my left kidney area for a long while now, I thought it was a muscle strain.
Hi all, I am currently trying to recover from a suspected kidney infection (protein in urine but not sent to lab), taking a course of antibiotics. I have had various tests done as well as I have had a pain in my left kidney area for a long while now, I thought it was a muscle strain.
girlwithcurls profile image
girlwithcurls
in Early CKD Support
5 months ago

D- Mannose strength

During November I was admitted to Hospital with a Kidney infection resulting from a UTI. I have been taking antibiotics on and off since the end of October. They clear up the infection but I still have discomfort when I go to the toilet.
During November I was admitted to Hospital with a Kidney infection resulting from a UTI. I have been taking antibiotics on and off since the end of October. They clear up the infection but I still have discomfort when I go to the toilet.
Lacelady profile image
Lacelady
in PMRGCAuk
20 days ago
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Not sure what to think

Could it be that this new number is my new normal after a bad kidney infection earlier this year? I never had an issue before that and an ultrasound shows no [problems as well. Is this something that I could (potentially) live with for a long time without other problems?
Could it be that this new number is my new normal after a bad kidney infection earlier this year? I never had an issue before that and an ultrasound shows no [problems as well. Is this something that I could (potentially) live with for a long time without other problems?
akylasam profile image
akylasam
in Kidney Disease
5 months ago

URI and thyroid -fighting infection

Hi - I have had the misfortune of some how getting a UTI . I have had this for 3 weeks now. The first urine sample given at my surgery indicated some infection and 3 days prescription of antibiotics given - I have under-active thyroid so I knew this was not enough.. after the 3 days the UTI returned
Hi - I have had the misfortune of some how getting a UTI . I have had this for 3 weeks now. The first urine sample given at my surgery indicated some infection and 3 days prescription of antibiotics given - I have under-active thyroid so I knew this was not enough.. after the 3 days the UTI returned
Mandica profile image
Mandica
in Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Protein in urine

Hello, I’m currently 38+6 weeks pregnant and for the past 3 weeks I have tested positive for protein and blood in my urine. My blood pressure is normal, I have no urine infection and my blood tests came back as normal. I really don’t understand what could be causing this. I have read about pre eclampsia
Hello, I’m currently 38+6 weeks pregnant and for the past 3 weeks I have tested positive for protein and blood in my urine. My blood pressure is normal, I have no urine infection and my blood tests came back as normal. I really don’t understand what could be causing this. I have read about pre eclampsia
Trinity613 profile image
Trinity613
in NCT
2 months ago

Endometriosis and uti infections

I have not long been diagnosed with Endometriosis and put on the Desogestrol to begin with and see how they help. But I keep get uti infections every month round when I due or after my period I have been having them for a year and now been put on a regular antibiotic for
I have not long been diagnosed with Endometriosis and put on the Desogestrol to begin with and see how they help. But I keep get uti infections every month round when I due or after my period I have been having them for a year and now been put on a regular antibiotic for
Colourbox profile image
Colourbox
in Endometriosis UK
2 months ago

Lupus and Monkeypox

Hi all, I thought I'd ask as this is very topical at the moment, especially for the immunosuppressed. Does anyone have any comments on this?
Hi all, I thought I'd ask as this is very topical at the moment, especially for the immunosuppressed. Does anyone have any comments on this?
HantsMan profile image
HantsMan
in LUPUS UK
3 months ago

Steroids and Hashis

Hi I’ve been given steroids in hospital as have kidney infection and drain- does anyone have experience with steroids and Hashis- do they help? I don’t want to take them near the morning Levo so waiting till lunchtime. Thanks Maria
Hi I’ve been given steroids in hospital as have kidney infection and drain- does anyone have experience with steroids and Hashis- do they help? I don’t want to take them near the morning Levo so waiting till lunchtime. Thanks Maria
MariaStrawCinar profile image
MariaStrawCinar
in Thyroid UK
8 months ago

Ablation of endometrial tissue

Hi All.. Today I had my first laparoscopy, they done adhesiolysis of endometriosis, ablation of endometrial tissue and hysteroscopy. I am 32 years old without children, I have read the ablation of endometrial tissue is not recommended if you would like children in the future as it can effect fertility
Hi All.. Today I had my first laparoscopy, they done adhesiolysis of endometriosis, ablation of endometrial tissue and hysteroscopy. I am 32 years old without children, I have read the ablation of endometrial tissue is not recommended if you would like children in the future as it can effect fertility
CaseyA profile image
CaseyA
in Endometriosis UK
3 months ago

I know people get op's cancelled but, You Really Could Not Make This Up!!

Came again went to Urgent Care - was treated for a kidney infection.. Saw a nurse and same again - Suspected infection. Went to GP and she got me to a Urology Consultant on the two week rule.
Came again went to Urgent Care - was treated for a kidney infection.. Saw a nurse and same again - Suspected infection. Went to GP and she got me to a Urology Consultant on the two week rule.
Ern007 profile image
Ern007
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
2 months ago

Tapentadol

Has any body been prescribed Tapentadol for acute Sciatica pain and how did they get on.
Has any body been prescribed Tapentadol for acute Sciatica pain and how did they get on.
gordon292 profile image
gordon292
in Pain Concern
4 months ago

Cystoscopy next week - risks of procedure?

Hi folks. After decades of UTI infections, I've been having daily urethral pain that comes & goes but no infection. D-mannose has helped in combating infections enormously, however I'm having a cystoscopy next week to investigate any sinister cause of the pain. Not so worried about the procedure (other
Hi folks. After decades of UTI infections, I've been having daily urethral pain that comes & goes but no infection. D-mannose has helped in combating infections enormously, however I'm having a cystoscopy next week to investigate any sinister cause of the pain. Not so worried about the procedure (other
strawclutching profile image
strawclutching
in PMRGCAuk
4 months ago

UTI and E.Coli

Turns out I had a kidney infection and it was resistant to the antibiotics the GP prescribed. I spoke to a consultant yesterday who told me I had E.Coli and a kidney infection so I’m back on yet more antibiotics! Has anyone struggled similarly whilst one methotrexate and hydroxy?
Turns out I had a kidney infection and it was resistant to the antibiotics the GP prescribed. I spoke to a consultant yesterday who told me I had E.Coli and a kidney infection so I’m back on yet more antibiotics! Has anyone struggled similarly whilst one methotrexate and hydroxy?
marie66 profile image
marie66
in NRAS
1 year ago

I'm new. Need help PLEASE!

I was just in the emergency room with terrible back pain similar to a kidney infection but without the infection. Terrible pain!! I am also having severe pain on the right side of my neck that's shooting pain up my jaw & ear & through out my head.
I was just in the emergency room with terrible back pain similar to a kidney infection but without the infection. Terrible pain!! I am also having severe pain on the right side of my neck that's shooting pain up my jaw & ear & through out my head.
Hey1975 profile image
Hey1975
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Mother-in-law with EDS has very low Potassium readings

It just transpired that she has had a long term kidney infection and really low Potassium and has been hospitalised and put on a drip for this twice this week, its possible that this and not just the EDS has caused her symptoms, including the memory issues/confusion.
It just transpired that she has had a long term kidney infection and really low Potassium and has been hospitalised and put on a drip for this twice this week, its possible that this and not just the EDS has caused her symptoms, including the memory issues/confusion.
liverish profile image
liverish
in Ehlers-Danlos Support UK
8 days ago

pressure on my bladder

update doctor got back with results. Apparently over 1,000 red blood cells in urine and E. coli in the urine as well. Going back tomorrow to test again as he thinks infection is still there. Has anyone suffered with this as I’m wondering where the ecoli came from in my urine as I didn’t have diahorrea
update doctor got back with results. Apparently over 1,000 red blood cells in urine and E. coli in the urine as well. Going back tomorrow to test again as he thinks infection is still there. Has anyone suffered with this as I’m wondering where the ecoli came from in my urine as I didn’t have diahorrea
Nerissa profile image
Nerissa
in IBS Network
6 months ago

Cystitis looming

I think I’m about to suffer from cystitis shortly if not already started. All the classic symptoms are beginning. I want to nip it in the bud. . Given it is nearly 5 pm onFriday, can anyone advise if it’s ok to take Cystocalm a Sodium citrate otc powder sachets whilst on Levo?... thanks
I think I’m about to suffer from cystitis shortly if not already started. All the classic symptoms are beginning. I want to nip it in the bud. . Given it is nearly 5 pm onFriday, can anyone advise if it’s ok to take Cystocalm a Sodium citrate otc powder sachets whilst on Levo?... thanks
App1 profile image
App1
in Thyroid UK
6 months ago

Lupus & kidney infection

Hello, Sorry for a "question" first post. I don't know anyone else who has lupus in "real life" (or, if I do, I don't know it!) and I was only diagnosed in August, so I'm very new to this. I was referred to Rheumatology and diagnosed with SLE and APS in August, after having repeated infections and low
Hello, Sorry for a "question" first post. I don't know anyone else who has lupus in "real life" (or, if I do, I don't know it!) and I was only diagnosed in August, so I'm very new to this. I was referred to Rheumatology and diagnosed with SLE and APS in August, after having repeated infections and low
Alrac94 profile image
Alrac94
in LUPUS UK
1 year ago

Fluid around liver post transplant

Hi, I'm 2 years post liver transplant, and I'm currently in hospital for a kidney infection. Thankfully they seem to have got this under control, even though my kidneys are only working around 43%. The worry is that a CT scan has shown up some fluid around my liver.
Hi, I'm 2 years post liver transplant, and I'm currently in hospital for a kidney infection. Thankfully they seem to have got this under control, even though my kidneys are only working around 43%. The worry is that a CT scan has shown up some fluid around my liver.
Craftynan profile image
Craftynan
in British Liver Trust
7 months ago
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