A kidney infection requires prompt medical attention.

Kidney infection treatment, which usually includes antibiotics, might require hospitalization.

Severe kidney infection can lead to life-threatening complications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have kidney infection symptoms combined with bloody urine or nausea and vomiting.

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.

Rarely, kidney infection results after kidney surgery.

Once in the bladder, an infection can spread to the kidneys.

Pregnant women are at even higher risk of a kidney infection.

Having a weakened immune system.This includes medical conditions that impair your immune system, such as diabetes and HIV.

Certain medications, such as drugs taken to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, have a similar effect.

Using a urinary catheter for a time.Urinary catheters are tubes used to drain urine from the bladder.

You might have a catheter placed during and after some surgical procedures and diagnostic tests.

You might use one continuously if you’re confined to a bed.

People with this condition are at higher risk of kidney infection during childhood and adulthood.

A voiding cystourethrogram involves injecting a contrast dye to take X-rays of the bladder when full and while urinating.

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for kidney infections.

But you might need to continue antibiotics for a week or longer.

Take the entire course of antibiotics recommended by your doctor even after you feel better.

Your doctor might recommend a repeat urine culture to ensure the infection has cleared.

If the infection is still present, you’ll need to take another course of antibiotics.

If your kidney infection is severe, your doctor might admit you to the hospital.

Treatment might include antibiotics and fluids that you receive through a vein in your arm (intravenously).

How long you’ll stay in the hospital depends on the severity of your condition.

An underlying medical problem such as a misshapen urinary tract can cause you to get repeated kidney infections.

You might need surgery to repair a structural abnormality.

You’ll likely start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner.

For kidney infection, questions to ask your doctor include:

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions.