A kidney infection---a condition referred to as pyelonephritis---is typically caused by the abnormal presence of bacteria within the kidneys. Treatment of a kidney infection involves the use of antibacterial medications. Left untreated, a kidney infection can be life threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of a kidney infection.
Fever
If you develop a kidney infection, you might experience a fever. When bacteria enter your kidneys, your immune system signals an increase in body temperature to prevent the bacteria from multiplying and spreading throughout your body. Symptoms of fever can include chills, sweating, fatigue and muscle aches.
Back or Abdominal Pain
Your two kidneys are located on either side of your back underneath your ribcage. Bacteria that get into your kidneys can cause inflammation and swelling to occur within these organs. These effects can cause you to experience mild to severe pain within your mid or lower back, which may radiate around your sides to the front of your body. Pain may be particularly severe if your doctor pushes into your lower back near where the kidneys are located. Certain people may also experience abdominal pain as a symptom of a kidney infection.
Nausea
A kidney infection can cause you to experience severe pain within your back or abdomen, which can contribute to symptoms of nausea or vomiting in certain people. Such symptoms typically persist until the kidney infection is resolved through antibiotic treatment.
Frequent Urination
The Merck Manual, a medical encyclopedia for health professionals, estimates that one-third of kidney infections are caused by bacteria that have migrated up from the bladder---a condition called cystitis. Bacterial infection of the kidney or bladder can cause you to experience increased urinary frequency or urgency. Certain people also experience a painful or burning sensation during urination due to this infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice blood within your urine (hematuria).
