A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, may be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute infections are characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms and are generally quickly remedied. Chronic infections usually stem from another infection, perhaps in the bladder, and are a result of intoxication in the urinary tract. This type of infection can lead to renal failure and damage, and often requires antibiotics and hospitalization. Kidney infection symptoms should be brought to a doctor's attention.
Frequent Urination and Persistent Urge to Urinate
Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, defines this symptom as cramping in the bladder area with sudden urges to urinate. The patient will urinate more frequently than usual as well. A combination of both frequency and urgency is a common indication of a kidney infection, though other conditions can sometimes mimic these symptoms.
Painful Urination
Experiencing a burning or other uncomfortable sensation during urination can be a sign of a kidney infection. It can also be a symptom of an enlarged prostate, interstitial cystitis, vaginitis, dermatitis or sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, according to Medline Plus. A medical evaluation can determine the cause.
Blood in Urine
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, may be visible to the naked eye or found microscopically by your doctor. You may notice this symptom if your urine is pink or red, or you see what looks like drops of blood in the toilet after urinating.
Women must ensure the bleeding is not originating from the vagina, and men must remember they can experience bloody ejaculate due to prostate problems. Other conditions that can cause blood in the urine include kidney and bladder stones or cancer, injury to the bladder or kidney, polycystic kidney disease, blood disorders such as sickle cell and even recent catheterization, according to Medline Plus. Only your doctor can determine if your symptoms are due to a kidney infection or another cause.
Other Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that other symptoms indicating a possible kidney infection include a fever, abdominal pain and pain in the back, side or groin. If you're experiencing these or the above mentioned symptoms, your doctor can determine through a urinalysis or urine culture the presence and type of kidney infection. If you are being treated for a kidney infection and are still experiencing symptoms upon finishing any prescription, call your doctor for further analysis.
