What causes persistent kidney infections?

Bacteria that enter your urinary tract through the tube that carries urine from your body (urethra) can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney infections. Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your body also can spread through your bloodstream to your kidneys.

Are kidney infection symptoms constant?

Kidney infections can be sudden or chronic. They’re often painful and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The medical term for a kidney infection is pyelonephritis.

Can chronic pyelonephritis be cured?

If obstruction cannot be eliminated and recurrent urinary tract infections are common, long-term therapy with antibiotics (eg, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, a fluoroquinolone, nitrofurantoin) is useful and may be required indefinitely.

What are the signs of a bad kidney infection?

The symptoms of a kidney infection can include: UTI symptoms. chills. fever. having pee that smells bad or is cloudy. lower back pain that’s more severe than a bladder infection. nausea. pink- or red-tinged urine, a sign of bleeding in the urinary tract.

What happens if kidney infection is untreated?

If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to potentially serious complications, such as: Kidney scarring. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure. Blood poisoning (septicemia).

What is the best treatment for kidney infection?

Kidney infections are treated using antibiotics to destroy the bacteria. The type of antibiotic used varies, depending on the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. Commonly-prescribed antibiotics include Amoxil, Cipro, Levaquin, and Bactrim. Patients generally take antibiotics for one to two weeks.

Can kidney infection heal on its own?

Some natural remedies can prevent the infection from getting worse and complement the treatment you’re receiving, but they won’t cure the infection on their own. Together, medication and lifestyle treatments can heal your infection in no time. While kidney infections are easy to treat, they can be serious if left untreated.