{"id":235111,"date":"2025-07-16T12:41:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T12:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/conditions\/?p=235111"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:15:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:15:58","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-about-kidney-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/conditions\/all-you-need-to-know-about-kidney-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to Know About Kidney Infections\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
What Is a Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?<\/a><\/li>
How Common Are Kidney Infections?<\/a><\/li>
Causes of Kidney Infections<\/a><\/li>
How Do You Get a Kidney Infection?<\/a><\/li>
Risk Factors<\/a><\/li>
Symptoms of a Kidney Infection<\/a><\/li>
How to Tell the Difference Between a Kidney Infection and a UTI<\/a><\/li>
Complications<\/a><\/li>
Diagnosis<\/a><\/li>
Treatment Options<\/a><\/li>
Home Remedies to Help Manage Kidney Infections\u202f<\/a><\/li>
Prevention<\/a><\/li>
When to See a Doctor<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA urinary tract infection (UTI) is the multiplication and proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract. It can occur in any part of the tract like urethra(urethritis), bladder (cystitis), prostate (in males) (prostatitis) and even spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).\u00a0 UTIs are one of the most common infectious disease world-wide in community as well as health care setting ^{1<\/sup><\/a>. UTI can occur from neonates to elderly. Approximately 50-60% of women report at least one attack of UTI in their lifetime. In men and children, UTI is comparatively less common and is usually associated with structural and functional abnormality of urinary tract needing further investigations}^{2<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Kidney infection or Pyelonephritis, usually presenting with symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and pain ^{3<\/sup><\/a>, can even cause septicaemia leading to death, particularly in elderly individuals}^{4<\/sup><\/a>. Recurrent chronic pyelonephritis can also lead to kidney damage, hence it is important to detect and treat pyelonephritis early}^{5<\/sup><\/a>. The right diagnosis and timely care can make all the difference in your recovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>What Is a Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious infection that causes inflammation in the kidneys. It typically starts as a lower urinary tract infection (UTI) and ascends from the bladder to the kidneys. Common bacteria like E. coli<\/em> are often responsible, and currently many of these bacteria are becoming drug resistant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pyelonephritis can present with fever, back or flank pain, nausea, and frequent or painful urination. In some cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and may be associated with obstructions like kidney stones. If not treated promptly, it can lead to kidney damage, sepsis, or even death.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pyelonephritis can be acute or chronic, with chronic cases leading to long-term scarring and kidney dysfunction^{3<\/sup><\/a>. Understanding its causes and early symptoms is crucial, as prompt treatment can prevent complications and preserve kidney health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>How Common Are Kidney Infections?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nKidney infections, or acute pyelonephritis, are a widespread complication of urinary tract infections, with an estimated 10.5 to 25.9 million cases occurring globally each year ^{6<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
In India, 60 to 70 adult cases may be seen per year at a single tertiary care hospital. While females are more likely to be affected according to some research, males can also be significantly impacted, especially in older age groups. About three out of four patients have diabetes, and infections are often complicated, requiring hospital care, especially when drug-resistant bacteria are involved ^{7<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Causes of Kidney Infections<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe human urinary tract and urine are normally sterile. However, when pathogens invade the urinary tract and spread up to the kidneys, kidney infection or pyelonephritis can occur. While pathogens can enter through blood stream too, retrograde spread through the urinary tract is typically the most common route for kidney infections ^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Kidney infections are most often caused by bacteria, with E. coli<\/em> being the commonest pathogen followed by K. pneumoniae<\/em>. The bacteria usually spread from the gut and skin to the urinary tract and reach the kidneys. Certain fungal infections like candida may also sometimes cause kidney infections, particularly in patients with diabetes, ICU stays, or indwelling catheters. Viruses are a less common cause and usually affect those with weakened immunity^{3<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{5<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
There are various host factors that prevent the invasion of pathogens in the urinary tract. However, some underlying conditions (discussed later) can disrupt these defences and increase the likelihood of getting kidney infections.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How Do You Get a Kidney Infection?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2><\/div>