Antibiotics for Kidney Infection

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that should always be evaluated by a physician. Our team of board-certified urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta diagnoses the cause of your symptoms and provides appropriate treatment when necessary. 

If you think you have a kidney infection, don’t delay. Contact one of our offices today or book an appointment online! We have multiple locations within Georgia for your convenience.

What Are Some of the Causes of Kidney Infections?

Most kidney infections are caused by the E. coli bacteria. The bacteria travel up the urethra (the tube that carries urine) into the bladder, causing a bladder infection. From there, it can spread to one or both kidneys. It’s possible for other bacteria or viruses to cause kidney infections.

In some very rare cases, you can get a kidney infection through your skin. An infection absorbed into your blood may travel to your kidney. There is an even smaller chance of getting an infection after having kidney surgery. What are the symptoms that might indicate a kidney infection?

Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

The symptoms of kidney infections can include the following:

• Blood in your urine
• Pus in your urine
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in your lower back, side, or groin
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Weakness or fatigue

You may also have some of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as:

• Burning sensation or pain when you urinate
• A constant urge to urinate, even soon after you empty your bladder
• Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
• Pain in your lower belly
• Urinating much more often than usual

If you have these symptoms, it’s best to go to the doctor for a proper diagnosis. This will ensure that you are prescribed the appropriate treatment. 

Leaving a kidney infection untreated could lead to more serious complications such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney abscess, blood poisoning, and high blood pressure. They should, therefore, be treated promptly.

How is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed?

The tests to diagnose kidney infection include the following:

• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Cytoscopy, if you have blood in your urine
• In some cases, an ultrasound or CT scan

Once you have an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms and the cause, you will want to know how a kidney infection is treated.

What is the Best Kidney Infection Treatment?

Antibiotics are the most effective way to treat a kidney infection. You will need to take them for one or two weeks. Even though your symptoms may improve within a few days, you must continue taking the full course of medicine that was prescribed.

Severe kidney infections require treatment at the hospital, where you will take antibiotics intravenously (IV). You might also be fitted with a urinary catheter to drain urine from the bladder. At that time, additional diagnostic tests will be performed. 

Kidney Infection Home Remedies

Antibiotics are the most effective way to treat an infection. Home remedies have the purpose of helping you feel better and speed up recovery. 

Home remedies to provide comfort and speed up recovery of kidney infections include the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the bacteria.
• Water and cranberry or apple juice are good options.
• It is better to avoid alcohol and coffee while you are recovering.
• Get extra rest.
• When using the bathroom, sit on the toilet rather than hovering over it. It can keep your bladder from completely emptying.
• Take a pain reliever with acetaminophen. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen because these can raise your risk of kidney problems.
• Apply heat to your belly, back, or side.

How Long Does it Take for a Kidney Infection to Go Away?

Your symptoms should go away in a few days after taking antibiotics. You will need to keep taking the course for about 14 days to eliminate the infection.

How to Prevent Kidney Infections

You can’t completely prevent future kidney infections, but avoiding the risk factors can help. Some risk factors are harder to avoid. For example, kidney stones, diabetes, or a weakened immune system are some health conditions that increase your risk of kidney stones. Treating these conditions can help reduce your risk.

The female urinary system is also more prone to developing kidney infections because the woman’s urethra is shorter. 

There are, however, some risk factors that are within your control that can help you prevent kidney infections. Try the following measures to prevent kidney infections:

• Don’t use deodorant sprays or douches on your genitals.
• Avoid spermicide, which can trigger bacterial growth.
• Use lubricated condoms.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need to go.
• Urinate after having sex.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you have any signs of blood in your urine or other urinary abnormalities, call the team at Urology of Greater Atlanta. We have several offices throughout Greater Atlanta.

State-of-the-art diagnostics and innovative treatments are available at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Call the office or make an appointment online today with one of our board-certified urologists!