Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Infection in a Newborn

Pyelonephritis is the infection of the kidney, and it is usually a consequence of an untreated or advanced urinary tract infection (UTI). Adults can easily recognize UTI symptoms in themselves. However, newborns are unable to verbalize complaints about the symptoms. Parents should know the signs that can be measured or observed so they can seek medical care for their newborns to prevent complications and avoid pyelonephritis.

Fever

• Fever is the classic symptom of an infection in people of any age. It is the result of the body's own immune system fighting invading organisms. A fever of any type in a newborn should be referred to a health care provider for an evaluation and treatment. An untreated fever may cause seizures and other complications in a child.

Hematuria

• Hematuria is the term for blood in urine. As a urinary infection or a kidney infection progresses, the tissues are destroyed, releasing red blood cells into the urinary tract. Normal urine should be light to dark yellow. Any tinge of red or pink may indicate hematuria and should be referred to a health care provider.

Pain

• Newborns cannot verbalize that they are in pain, but they can act differently when they are in pain. Signs of pain in a newborn include irritability, loss of appetite and loss of sleep.