Overview
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteria cause it when they move from another part of your body, like your bladder, up to one or both of your kidneys.
Kidney infections can be more serious than lower UTIs. See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.
How common are kidney infections?
About 1 in 2,000 people get a kidney infection every year in the U.S.
How can you tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI?
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). But when people say “UTI,” they often mean a lower urinary tract infection, or infection of their bladder or urethra. A lower UTI and a kidney infection can have similar symptoms, but a kidney infection is more likely to suddenly make you feel sick, give you a fever or cause pain in your lower back or side.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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