A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that affects one or both kidneys. It can develop when bacteria travel from the bladder towards the kidneys. Unlike a mild bladder infection, a kidney infection can become serious if treatment is delayed.
1. Fever and shaking chills: A high temperature accompanied by shaking chills can indicate that the infection is affecting more than the bladder.
2. Pain in the back or side: Pain around the waist, side or back below the ribs is a common warning sign of kidney infection.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Some people develop nausea, vomiting or difficulty keeping food and fluids down.
4. Burning when urinating: Pain or burning during urination may occur alongside a kidney infection, particularly if it started as a bladder infection.
5. Frequent or urgent urination: You may feel a strong urge to urinate repeatedly, sometimes passing only small amounts.
6. Feeling extremely weak or confused: Severe infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Confusion, faintness, rapid breathing or extreme weakness are emergency warning signs.
Final thoughts: A suspected kidney infection needs urgent medical assessment. Treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed by a clinician, and some people need hospital care. Drinking water may help prevent dehydration, but it cannot replace antibiotics. Do not try to treat a kidney infection with garlic water, onion juice or unknown herbal leaves. Seek emergency care if you develop confusion, collapse, difficulty breathing or severe illness.
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