The beginning of a kidney infection can feel like mild discomfort in the lower back or sides and may be accompanied by a mild fever, nausea or vomiting. It can also feel like mild, sharp pains or a dull ache in the lower back and sides.
Other symptoms can include increased frequency of urination, strong-smelling or cloudy urine, and discomfort or even pain when urinating. It’s important to pay close attention to any symptoms that last for more than a few days and be sure to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
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How do you know if your starting to get a kidney infection?
Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection can develop quickly over a few hours or gradually over several days. Early symptoms of a kidney infection typically include:
– Pain in your lower back and side, around where your kidneys are located
– Fever
– Chills
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Fatigue
– Loss of appetite
– Pain or burning during urination
– Urinating more frequently than usual
– Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
More severe symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
– Pressure or pain in the abdomen, back, side, or groin
– Mental confusion, especially in older adults
– Flushed, warm skin
– Blood in the urine
If you think you may have a kidney infection you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Where is the pain if you have a kidney infection?
If you have a kidney infection, you may experience pain in your lower back, side, or groin area, or you may feel a general sense of discomfort in your abdomen or flank. You may also experience pain or burning sensations when you urinate, increased frequency of urination, cloudy or bloody urine, fever, chills, and vomiting.
Additionally, in more severe cases, you may experience nausea, extreme fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and treatment for a potential kidney infection.
Can a kidney infection start slowly?
Yes, a kidney infection can start slowly. Depending on the individual, the signs and symptoms may develop gradually over time, or several of the symptoms may suddenly appear at once. Common early symptoms of a kidney infection include pain or discomfort in the back and sides, a high temperature, feeling sick and vomiting.
Depending on the severity of the infection, other symptoms may include chills, diarrhea, appetite loss, confusion, fatigue, and cloudy urine. If kidney infection is left untreated, it can cause serious long-term problems, making it important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you or someone you know may have a kidney infection.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
How to tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI?
The most important way to tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI is by noting the symptoms. A UTI is a lower urinary tract infection that can affect the bladder, urethra, and/or prostate and typically causes frequent, painful urination, lower abdominal or back pain, or pressure, and a feeling of needing to urinate even when your bladder is empty.
A kidney infection on the other hand, is an infection of the upper urinary tract and is typically marked by a fever, chills, back pain, abdominal pain, and a frequent and painful need to urinate. In severe cases, a kidney infection can cause nausea and vomiting, confusion, and even sepsis.
Other symptoms that may help in differentiating between a kidney infection and a UTI can include cloudy or bloody urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of being ill.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible and get a proper diagnosis as both a UTI and a kidney infection can lead to more serious health complications if not treated properly.
How long does it take for a kidney infection to develop?
The duration of a kidney infection can vary from person to person and on the severity of the initial infection. Generally, it takes anywhere from one to two weeks for an infection to develop. If an individual has a pre-existing condition that weakens their immune system, it can take longer for the kidney infection to develop.
Signs of a kidney infection can include lower back pain, frequent urination, a burning sensation when urinating, fever, chills, and nausea. If these symptoms continue for more than three days, it is important to seek medical advice.
It is important that a kidney infection is treated promptly in order to prevent the infection from worsening and possibly leading to more serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
How quickly can kidney problems develop?
Generally speaking, it is difficult to specify an exact time frame for how quickly kidney problems can develop, as it can vary from person to person and also depends on the type and severity of the issue.
Generally speaking, certain kidney-related conditions, like chronic kidney disease, can develop over years of gradual damage due to other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Acute kidney injury, on the other hand, can develop in a very short amount of time, such as a matter of days or hours, and is usually the result of a sudden impact, trauma or sudden inability of the heart to pump enough oxygen and nutrients to the necessary organs.
Either way, proper monitoring and treatment of potential underlying issues are important measures to reduce the risk of developing kidney problems, so it is important to keep up with regular check-ups and to speak with your doctor if you are concerned or notice any significant changes.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
The first signs of kidney problems can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Common signs to watch for include reduced urine output, urine that appears darker than normal, a need to urinate more frequently, difficulty urinating, swollen face, hands and/or feet, high blood pressure, unexplained fatigue, unexplained changes in weight, increased levels of creatinine or protein in the urine, persistent itching and bad breath.
If any of these signs are accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and/or pain, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.
When should you go to the ER for kidney pain?
At any point where you are experiencing severe or persistent pain in your kidneys it is recommended that you seek attention at your nearest emergency room. Kidney pain can be a symptom of a number of serious medical conditions, such as a kidney infection, an obstruction of the urinary tract, or even a kidney stone.
If the pain is accompanied by a high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty urinating, it is particularly important that you seek emergency care. Additionally, any pain that persists for more than a few days or worsens with time should also be further evaluated.
Furthermore, if you suspect you may have an infection, dehydration, or are otherwise concerned about the health of your kidneys, it is recommended that you visit the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.
Where do you feel pain if your kidneys are infected?
If your kidneys are infected, you may experience pain in your back or side, below the ribs. Depending on the severity of the infection, the pain may be dull or sharp and may or may not spread to the abdomen and groin area.
In addition to pain, other symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or bloody urine, and a frequent urge to urinate. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away, as a kidney infection can spread and become life-threatening if left untreated.
How do I know if a UTI has spread to my kidneys?
If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) that has spread to your kidneys you should seek medical evaluation right away. Kidney infections are a potentially serious complication of a UTI, and they require prompt medical treatment.
The most common symptom of a UTI that has spread to your kidneys is pain in your back or side in the area of your kidneys, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, an urge to urinate more than usual, feeling the need to urinate even when your bladder is empty, passing bloody or cloudy urine, and a foul smell in your urine.
Your doctor will likely order a urinalysis and urine culture to determine if you have a UTI. If the results of your tests indicate a renal infection, your doctor may recommend further kidney tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
They may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
In some cases, the infection can spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection called sepsis, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a kidney infection and seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms.
What will ER do for kidney pain?
ER doctors typically evaluate and treat kidney pain, depending on the underlying cause. Treatment will first focus on the cause of the pain. This may include taking medications to reduce inflammation, controlling existing infections, or treating obstruction of the ureter or urinary tract.
If a stone is causing the pain, the doctor may advise drinking fluids to help pass the stone, or if it is too large, a procedure called lithotripsy may be used to break it up. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct a structural issue like a blockage or another problem.
The doctor may also provide pain relief with medications such as over-the-counter ibuprofen or stronger prescription medications. Long-term treatment will focus on the underlying conditions and may include lifestyle modifications, medications or, in severe cases, surgery.
Can kidney infection be treated outpatient?
Yes, kidney infection often can be treated as an outpatient. Depending on the severity of the infection, some people may require hospitalization for monitoring and additional treatments such as intravenous antibiotics and fluids.
However, most kidney infections can be treated as an outpatient with a regimen of antibiotics. It is important to remember that these antibiotics must be taken as prescribed and for the duration they are prescribed to insure that all the bacteria is successfully killed.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may also recommend bed rest and supplemented fluids to help treat and prevent dehydration. Close follow-up with your doctor is also important to ensure the infection has completely cleared.
