What antibiotics do they give you for a kidney infection

How do health care professionals treat kidney infections?

If you have a kidney infection, a health care professional will prescribe antibiotics. Even before your test results are in, the health care professional may prescribe an antibiotic that fights the most common types of bacteria. Although you may feel relief from your symptoms, make sure to take the entire antibiotic treatment that your health care professional prescribes.

Once your lab results are in, the health care professional may switch the antibiotic to one that better treats the type of infection you have. You may take these antibiotics by mouth, through a vein in your arm, called by IV, or both.

If you are very sick from your kidney infection, you may go to a hospital for bed rest. A health care professional may give you fluids through an IV.

If something such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate is blocking your urinary tract, a doctor can sometimes treat the problem with surgery or another procedure.

How can I make sure my kidney infection is completely gone?

If you recently had a kidney infection, the health care professional will often repeat urine cultures after your treatment ends to make sure your infection has completely gone away and has not come back. If a repeat test shows infection, you may take another round of antibiotics. If your infection comes back again, he or she may prescribe antibiotics for a longer time period.

If your health care professional prescribes antibiotics, take all of the antibiotics as prescribed and follow the advice of the health care professional. Even if you start to feel better, you should finish all of your medicine.

How can I prevent a kidney infection?

Many kidney infections start as a bladder infection, so preventing bladder infections may help prevent kidney infections. Scientists are still trying to understand the best ways to prevent bladder infections, but these small changes in your daily habits may help:

Drink lots of liquid, especially water

Liquids can help flush bacteria from the urinary system. Water is best. Most healthy people should try to drink six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of liquid each day. If you need to drink less water because of other health conditions, such as bladder control problems, kidney failure or heart disease, ask your health care provider how much liquid is healthy for you.

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet

Women should wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra. This step is most important after a bowel movement.

Urinate often and when the urge arises

Try to urinate at least every 3 to 4 hours. Bacteria are more likely to grow in the bladder when urine stays in the bladder too long.

Urinate after sex

Both women and men should urinate shortly after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex.

Table of Contents

I. What is a Kidney Infection?

II. Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

a. UTI Symptoms

III. What Causes a Kidney Infection?

a. Risk Factors for Kidney Infections

IV. How is a Kidney Infection Treated?

a. Home Treatment

What is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Kidney infections are also known as pyelonephritis and occur when bacteria or viruses cause problems within the kidneys.

The kidneys are a key part of the urinary tract. One of the main functions of the kidneys is to remove waste and water from the blood, producing urine.

Kidney infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys when not treated promptly. Additionally, if bacterium spread from the kidneys to the bloodstream, it can result in a severe and life-threatening infection. [1] However, kidney infections can be treated using antibiotics such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Proloprim (trimethoprim).

Kidney infections are more likely to affect women than men. This is because women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the body. Kidney infections are also more common in children younger than two and adults over the age of 60.

Keep reading to learn more about kidney infections, including the symptoms, causes, and how they can be treated.

Symptoms of a Kidney Infection

There are several different symptoms of a kidney infection. Symptoms typically appear two days after infection and often will develop within a few hours. [2] [3] If you notice these kidney infection symptoms, then you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible:

• Fever and chills
• Feeling unwell, weak, or fatigued
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Pain in the lower back, side, or groin
• Loss of appetite [4]

Children and older adults may experience differing symptoms. For infants younger than two, the only symptom of a kidney infection may be a high fever. Adults above the age of 65 may show mental symptoms instead. These symptoms can include confusion or jumbled speech. [2]

a. UTI Symptoms

As well as the above symptoms, people that have a kidney infection may also have signs of a bladder or urethra UTI. Not all people that have urinary tract infections show symptoms but common symptoms include:

• Frequent or persistent urges to urinate
• Urination that burns or is painful
• Urine which is brown, red, pink, or cloudy
• Urine which smells strongly
• Pain in the center of the pelvis or near to the pubic bone. [5]

What Causes a Kidney Infection?

Most kidney infections occur when bacteria enter the urethra and cause an infection in the bladder. This urinary tract infection can then spread to the kidneys if it is not treated promptly or effectively. These bacteria are often the bacteria E. coli that live in the bowel without causing harm. [3]

Although the majority of kidney infections result from urinary tract infections, there are other possible causes.  Kidney infections can also occur from an infection elsewhere that spreads to the kidneys through the bloodstream, following kidney surgery or from an artificial joint. [1]

a. Risk Factors for Kidney Infections

Kidney infections are more common in women due to their shorter urethra. However, kidney infections can affect anyone and there are several risk factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the urinary tract shifts. This can make it easier for bacteria to enter the kidneys, increasing the risk of a kidney infection. [2]

Weakened Immune System: Medical conditions that affect the immune system can increase the risk of a UTI or kidney infection. Conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or AIDS suppress the immune system making it more difficult for the body to combat an infection.

Blocked Urinary Tract: A blockage in the urinary tract can make it more likely to develop a kidney infection. Blockages may be caused by conditions such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate gland, or an inserted medical device.

Nerve Damage: Damaged nerves around the bladder will not increase the risk of a bladder infection. However, it can suppress the sensations of a bladder infection resulting in the infection advancing towards the kidneys.

How is a Kidney Infection Treated?

Kidney infections are usually treated with antibiotics. To treat a kidney infection, antibiotics such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Proloprim (trimethoprim) are typically prescribed for one or two weeks. When taking antibiotics, it is important to take the medication for the full amount of time directed by your doctor, even when symptoms improve. This can prevent the infection from surviving or returning.

When kidney infections are severe, you may need to stay in the hospital. In this case, antibiotics may be delivered through an IV (intravenous) needle. For persistent kidney infections, you may be sent to a urologist to identify any issues with your urinary tract. [4]

a. Home Treatment

As well as taking prescription medication, there are some other remedies that you can do at home to improve your condition. Drinking plenty of liquids can help prevent fever and dehydration and can help ‘flush out’ the bacteria. Getting plenty of rest can also aid recovery. Using a heating pad or placing a hot water bottle on any sensitive area may also help to relieve pain. If you require pain killers, speak to your doctor about a suitable option as some medications may raise the risk of kidney problems.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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