The symptoms of kidney infection vary from person to person. While most kidney infections are treatable at home with antibiotics, severe infections may require hospitalization. The most important test for diagnosing a kidney infection is urinalysis. This test analyzes urine for signs of infection, such as bacteria or viruses. Urinalysis can be performed in the doctor’s office or in a laboratory.
The urine of a person suffering from kidney infection will have a foul odor. It may also be brown or dark in color. Other symptoms of a kidney infection include pain in the lower back and sides, chills, and fever. If these symptoms occur, you should see a doctor right away.
A doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms to determine whether you have a kidney infection. He may order blood tests and a urinalysis to determine if the infection is bacterial. He or she may also perform an ultrasound or an MRI to get a better look at your kidneys. Your doctor may also recommend antibiotic therapy.
Kidney infections can lead to serious complications, including high blood pressure, kidney failure, and scarring in the kidneys. This is because the bacteria can reach the kidneys through the urinary tract. When the infection is severe, the infection may even spread up the urinary tract. However, if you have a weak immune system, you may not be aware of any symptoms of kidney infection.
Although the outlook for a kidney infection isn’t always good, the treatment for it is usually very positive. Even if you are able to feel better quickly, you still need to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. It is vital to follow all of the prescribed medications in order to get the most out of treatment.
In most cases, antibiotics are the best treatment for a kidney infection. Treatment can take several days to see full results. The infection is often temporary and will clear up on its own, but it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics. Otherwise, it can recur. If your antibiotic treatments don’t cure the infection, you may need further investigation. Your GP or a hospital specialist may perform further tests.
A kidney infection is caused by bacteria or viruses that live in your urine. A common bacterial culprit is Escherichia coli. This organism lives in the intestines and can enter the urinary tract through the urethra. The bacteria can multiply and spread in the urinary tract.
People with kidney infections often feel extremely tired and rundown. They may even have trouble sleeping. This is because they don’t have adequate kidney function to filter blood. They also experience a metallic taste in their mouth.