Kidney infection
Overview
A kidney infection is a painful type of urinary tract infection that can affect one or both kidneys. It can be serious if it's not treated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a kidney infection can include: a high temperaturefeeling or being sickpain in your lower back or sidediarrhoeaaching muscles and flu-like symptomspain, burning or stinging when you peeneeding to pee more often and urgently than usualpee that's dark or cloudy Symptoms in young children may also include: wetting the bed or themselvesbeing drowsy A child under 2 years may only have a high temperature. The symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other urinary tract infections (UTIs), such ascystitis. There are some things you can try to ease kidney infection symptoms while you're having treatment. They can also help prevent a kidney infection coming back. rest – it can take up to 2 weeks before you feel able to return to work rest – it can take up to 2 weeks before you feel able to return to work drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick takeparacetamolto reduce a high temperature and relieve pain takeparacetamolto reduce a high temperature and relieve pain give your child liquidparacetamol for childrenif they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure give your child liquidparacetamol for childrenif they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure ask your doctor how much fluid you can drink if you have kidney problems ask your doctor how much fluid you can drink if you have kidney problems always try to fully empty your bladder when you pee always try to fully empty your bladder when you pee do not takeibuprofenunless advised by a doctor – it may increase your risk of further kidney problems do not takeibuprofenunless advised by a doctor – it may increase your risk of further kidney problems do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
Causes
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are caused by bacteria in the tube that carries pee out of your body (uretha). A kidney infection is often caused by cystitis, another type of UTI. But you can also have one without having cystitis. You may be more likely to get a kidney infection if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have certain conditions or a weakened immune system. UTIs and kidney infections are more common in women, but anyone can get one.
Treatment
If the GP thinks you have a kidney infection, you'll have your pee tested to check. The main treatment for a kidney infection isantibiotictablets, which you'll usually take for 7 to 14 days. You'll usually feel better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover. Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of an infection. If you have a long-term health condition, or you're pregnant, you may need to go to hospital to have antibiotics through a drip. This works faster than tablets. In hospital, you'll have regular blood and urine tests to check your health and to make sure the antibiotics are working. Most people are well enough to go home after 3 to 7 days.
Prevention
Drink plenty of water; pee after sex; wipe front to back. Treat UTIs promptly.
When to see a doctor
See GP URGENTLY if: high fever & back pain; vomiting; blood in pee. Call 111/999 if confused/drowsy (sepsis).