How to Identify a Kidney Infection

Kidney infections are serious bacterial infections in one or both of the kidneys. Kidney infections are most commonly caused by the bacteria e.coli, and occur more in women than in men. This bacteria comes in through the urethra, and can eventually make its way up to the kidneys through the urinary tract. Kidney infections are fairly simple to identify, and require medical attention.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for back pain. Generally it occurs on the sides, or love handles. The pain is usually constant. It can be dull or sharp, and on one side or both.

• 2

  Pay attention to any burning or pain during urination to identify a urinary tract infection, which can lead to a kidney infection if not treated.

• 3

  Take temperature. Any fever, combined with any of the other symptoms, can be a sign of a kidney infection. As the infection progresses, fevers can get extremely high--producing a medium to high grade fever over 100 degrees.

• 4

  Notice any significant decrease in urination when identifying a kidney infection. This can be a sign of severe infection, and requires immediate medical consultation. Severe kidney infections can cause the kidneys to shut down, which in turn stops the necessary processing of removing waste from the body to create urine.

• 5

  Watch for dark yellow, brown or strong-smelling urine. These are signs of dehydration and possible kidney or urinary tract infection.

• 6

  Note any feelings of malaise, nausea or tiredness combined with the other symptoms. They can be key indicators of a severe kidney infection. Vomiting is also a sign of severe kidney infection, and elicits a quick response, either a trip to the doctor or the emergency room.