Diagram of the Female Reproductive System Enlarge. Diagram of the Male Reproductive System Enlarge. Symptoms or signs may include: Frequent, painful urination Back, side under the ribs , and groin pain Chills and high fever Nausea and vomiting Very young children younger than 2 years old may only have a high fever. Urine flow can be blocked by many things, including: kidney stones , tumors inside or outside the urinary tract and structural problems of the urinary tract.
To diagnose the problem, your health care provider may use the following tests: A medical history. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, when they began, and about your general health history. Physical exam. You will receive a general medical exam to collect blood and urine samples. The doctor will likely press your abdomen to check for pain or tenderness.
A sample of your urine will be tested to look for signs of infection. High counts of white blood cells and bacteria mean that there is an infection. Urine culture. In a urine culture, bacteria in urine may grow on a culture dish within a few days. This information will help the doctor determine the best antibiotic to use. Blood cultures. A blood culture can tell if your infection has spread to your blood.
Computed tomography CT scan. A CT scan is not necessary to diagnose kidney infection, but it shows detailed 3D images of the urinary tract and kidneys to detect problems. A CT would also see if there is a blockage that needs treatment.
Kidney ultrasound. Ultrasound can create images of the kidneys and ureters to show if there are wounds, stones, or other things that block the urinary tract. This information can help guide treatment decisions. Voiding cystourethrogram VCUG is an x-ray image of the bladder and urethra taken while the bladder is full and during urination.
It uses a contrast dye. This test can show problems in the urethra and bladder. Digital rectal examination DRE. A DRE is a physical exam of the prostate.
Men who may have kidney infection may have a DRE to see if a swollen prostate is blocking the neck of the bladder. Dimercaptosuccinic acid DMSA scintigraphy. This test uses small amounts of a radioactive material to look closely at how well the kidneys work. Special cameras and computers create images to see if the kidneys are infected, scarred or damaged. Surgery may be needed if a block in the urinary tract or a birth defect is found. After Treatment. Frequently Asked Questions. If you enjoy drinking cranberry juice and feel it helps you prevent UTIs , there's little harm in it, but watch the calories.
For most people, drinking cranberry juice is safe, but some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea. However, don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin. Your family doctor, nurse practitioner or other health care provider can treat most urinary tract infections.
If you have frequent recurrences or a chronic kidney infection, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders urologist or kidney disorders nephrologist for an evaluation.
For a UTI , basic questions to ask your doctor include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Female cystoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female cystoscopy Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities, such as a bladder stone.
Male cystoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male cystoscopy Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities in your urethra and bladder. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Wein AJ, et al. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed June 30, Ferri FF. Urinary tract infection.
In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor As this may take some days for the results, treatment is usually started straightaway. A urine sample may be the only test that is needed if you are a woman who is otherwise healthy, but develop cystitis which progresses to a kidney infection.
Further tests may be advised in some situations - for example, if you have a kidney stone or if a kidney abnormality is suspected. Tests are also usually advised if you are a man, or if you have recurring kidney infections. If further tests are needed, an ultrasound scan is often the first one which is done. In many cases, the infection is not too severe, treatment can be taken at home and the infection will clear with a course of antibiotic tablets. If treatment is to be home-based, a doctor should be called if the symptoms are not improving after 24 hours, or the person is feeling more unwell.
In hospital, antibiotics can be given straight into the vein intravenously for a more immediate effect. If the person is dehydrated, they may also need a drip where fluid is put straight into a vein. Most people who develop a kidney infection make a full recovery if treatment is given promptly.
Possible complications which occur in a small number of cases include:. Emphysematous pyelonephritis is also a rare complication.
In this condition the kidney tissues are rapidly destroyed by the infection and the bacteria can release toxic gases which can build up in the kidneys. You become very unwell if you develop this complication. This complication seems mostly to affect people who have poorly controlled diabetes.
Most kidney infections are caused by germs bacteria travelling up from a bladder infection. So the same things that can help to reduce your chances of bladder infection should reduce your chances of kidney infection.
Traditionally, people who got recurring urine infections were advised about measures such as drinking plenty of fluid and taking cranberry juice, and on the way that they wiped themselves after going to the toilet. However, there is little evidence for any of these measures and they are now not usually advised. Anything which increases your risk of urine infections which can be treated, should be treated.
For example, any constipation should be treated promptly, as constipation can increase your chances of a bladder or kidney infection. See the separate leaflet called Constipation for more details. Doctors will try to treat anything else which might be contributing, such as kidney stones or an abnormality in the structure of the urinary system. Pregnant women are regularly tested for urine infections and for germs bacteria in their urine.
Even if they don't have symptoms, if urine tests positive for germs, pregnant women are usually treated with antibiotics to prevent any complications. In some cases people who have recurring urine infections are treated with a low dose of antibiotic continually. This may help to prevent recurrences and to prevent spread to the kidney.
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