Hello, I'm Dr. Emily, a board-certified nephrologist. Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are serious infections that require prompt medical attention. They occur when bacteria travel from the bladder up to the kidneys, causing inflammation and potentially damaging the organs.

Diagnosing a kidney infection involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests:

1. Medical History:
* Symptoms: I'll ask you about your symptoms, such as:
* Fever (often high)
* Chills
* Back pain, especially on one side
* Nausea and vomiting
* Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria)
* Frequent urination
* Blood in the urine (hematuria)
* Cloudy urine
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Past medical history: I'll inquire about any previous kidney infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or other medical conditions that could contribute to kidney infection.
* Medications: I'll ask about any medications you're taking, especially antibiotics.

2. Physical Examination:
* Temperature: I'll take your temperature to check for fever.
* Abdominal examination: I'll examine your abdomen to check for tenderness over your kidneys.
* Listening to your lungs: I'll listen to your lungs to check for signs of pneumonia, which can sometimes accompany kidney infection.

3. Laboratory Tests:

* Urinalysis: This is a simple test that examines your urine for:
* White blood cells: An elevated count suggests an infection.
* Red blood cells: Indicates bleeding, which may be a sign of inflammation or damage.
* Nitrites: These are chemicals produced by certain bacteria, suggesting a UTI.
* Bacteria: The presence of bacteria in the urine confirms an infection.
* Urine culture: This test identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and helps determine the best antibiotic treatment.
* Blood tests:
* Complete blood count (CBC): This measures your white blood cell count, which may be elevated in response to infection.
* Blood cultures: These tests can identify the bacteria in your bloodstream, indicating a potentially serious infection that may require hospitalization.
* **Kidney function tests (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen):** These tests assess how well your kidneys are functioning. If the results are abnormal, it could suggest damage due to the infection.

Other Diagnostic Tools:

* Imaging studies: In some cases, imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be used to visualize the kidneys and rule out other conditions, such as kidney stones or tumors.

Diagnosis:

Based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, I will make a diagnosis.

Treatment:

Kidney infections are typically treated with antibiotics, which can be taken orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics, pain management, and monitoring.

Preventing Kidney Infections:

* Drink plenty of fluids: This helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.
* **Wipe from front to back after using the toilet:** This helps prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the urethra.
* Empty your bladder regularly: This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in the bladder.
* Avoid using feminine hygiene products: These products can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of infection.
* Get treated for UTIs promptly: Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections.

Remember, if you suspect you have a kidney infection, it's important to see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

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Diagnosis. To confirm that you have a kidney infection, you'll likely be asked to provide a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood or pus in your urine. Your doctor might also take a blood sample for a culture -- a lab test that checks for bacteria or other organisms in your blood.read more >>