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Acute Kidney Infection Symptoms

Kidney infections are known as pyelonephritis to medical doctors. Kidney infections are caused by bacteria in the bladder that can travel into the ureters, or tubes, that lead to the kidneys. Acute kidney infection symptoms usually comes on suddenly, while chronic infection develops slowly. Seek treatment immediately if you have any acute kidney infection symptoms.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • Acute kidney infection symptoms begin suddenly and include a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a fever that lasts for more than 2 days, fatigue, chills, nausea and vomiting.

    Pain

    • The most commonly felt acute kidney infection symptom is pain. This pain may affect the abdomen, lower back or on one or both sides just above the hips. Pain may also be felt while trying to urinate.

    Skin

    • Acute kidney infection symptoms may produce changes to skin. It may look flushed or reddened, be moist and clammy or be warm to the touch.

    Urination Difficulty

    • It is quite common to experience urination difficulty with acute kidney infections. The symptoms of infection include blood in the urine, cloudiness, foul smells or strong odors or the frequent need to urinate.

    Significant

    • The factors that increase the risk of developing acute kidney infections include repeated urinary tract infections, kidney stones, scars from previous infections, tumors, not being able to keep the bladder completely emptied, diabetes and pregnancy. The prognosis for acute kidney infections is good when treated promptly with antibiotics.

      In some cases, acute renal failure can occur if the infection leads to shock. Those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and infants are a risk for developing a severe blood infection called sepsis if treatment is not given right away. For the most severe conditions, the physician will admit the person to the hospital for IV antibiotics and fluids.

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