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Severe Kidney Infection Symptoms

A kidney infection most often occurs when a urinary tract infection (UTI) has spread beyond the bladder into the kidneys. Kidney infections can be very serious, and the Mayo Clinic warns that a severe kidney infection may result in kidney damage, kidney failure and even death. Visit your doctor or emergency room immediately if you notice some of the symptoms listed below.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • Severe kidney infections will feature some of the symptoms of less-severe UTI infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms include painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine and a frequent need to urinate.

    High Fever

    • A very high fever may be a symptom of a severe kidney infection. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that severe infections may cause a body temperature that exceeds 102 degrees F and lasts for more than several days.

    Chills and Night Sweats

    • Patients suffering from a severe kidney infection may have chills that cause the body to shake during the day, followed by night sweats at night.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • The NIH has found that the symptoms of a UTI combined with vomiting may indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys and become severe.

    Lower Back Pain

    • Severe kidney infections may cause intense pain in the lower back or along the side of the body, according to the NIH. The entire groin area may also feel painful.

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