Top 10 Signs of Kidney Infection and How to Spot Them

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 8, 2024

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Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, occur when bacteria reach the kidneys, often following a bladder infection. Though not as common as other urinary tract infections, they can bring symptoms that resemble other health issues, like appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Recognizing the early signs is crucial to getting timely treatment. Let's explore the symptoms that might indicate a kidney infection.

Abnormal Urine Changes

Changes in your urine are one of the first signs of a kidney problem. Since the kidneys are responsible for producing urine, infections often show up here first. You might notice darker, smelly, or foamy urine, or an increased need to urinate, especially at night. In some cases, blood or pus may be visible, and urinating could become uncomfortable. These changes should not be ignored, as they often point to an underlying kidney issue.

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Swelling in Various Areas

Swelling, or edema, can occur when your kidneys struggle to filter out waste and excess water. This build-up typically causes puffiness in areas like the ankles, hands, and feet, often noticeable in the mornings. Swelling in the face can also occur, adding to the discomfort. When the body retains fluids due to kidney dysfunction, it’s a clear sign that medical attention is needed.

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Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling nauseous is common with kidney infections, as the body tries to rid itself of toxins. This may be accompanied by vomiting, leading to dehydration. Some individuals also experience a loss of appetite, resulting in unintended weight loss. On top of that, antibiotics prescribed for kidney infections can sometimes cause mild nausea. Fortunately, once treatment begins, these symptoms usually start to subside.

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Excessive Fatigue

If you’re feeling unusually tired, it might be more than just a long day. Kidney infections often cause extreme fatigue, as your body uses its energy to fight the infection. Additionally, untreated kidney infections can lead to anemia. Anemia occurs when the kidneys fail to produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell production. With fewer red blood cells, oxygen levels drop, leaving you feeling drained.

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Skin Rashes and Itching

Skin rashes can be an unexpected symptom of kidney infections. When waste builds up in your body, it can affect your skin, causing rashes or persistent itching. This can be mistaken for allergies or other skin conditions, but it’s often a sign that your kidneys aren’t functioning properly. If you notice new or worsening skin irritation along with other kidney-related symptoms, it's important to get checked out.

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Fever and Chills

A fever is one of the body’s natural responses to infection, and kidney infections are no different. If your temperature rises above 100°F and you experience chills or shivering, it could be a sign of an infection in your kidneys. Anemia may sometimes cause low-grade fevers, but kidney infections typically bring moderate to high fevers, often accompanied by pain in the back or side. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

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Flank Pain

Pain in the flank area—between the hips and ribs—is a hallmark symptom of kidney infections. This dull, throbbing pain often occurs on one side of the body and can make sitting, standing, or bending uncomfortable. The discomfort is usually felt near the affected kidney. If this pain persists, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to prevent further complications.

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Bad Breath and a Metallic Taste

Kidney infections can sometimes cause bad breath, particularly if you’re dehydrated or have been vomiting. Antibiotics used to treat the infection may also leave you with a metallic taste in your mouth, making food taste off. This combination can reduce your appetite, potentially leading to weight loss. While these symptoms are less severe, they still indicate that something is wrong and should be addressed.

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Breathing Difficulties

Though not a common symptom of kidney infections, difficulty breathing can occur in severe cases. If you’re having trouble breathing, it could indicate complications like sepsis or kidney failure, both of which require immediate medical attention. These conditions arise when bacteria enter the bloodstream or when the kidneys fail to filter waste properly, making quick treatment essential.

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Feeling Dizzy or Confused

If you feel dizzy, confused, or have trouble concentrating, your kidney infection may be to blame. Fever, dehydration, and the infection itself can all contribute to these symptoms. It’s common to feel more tired or disoriented when dealing with a kidney infection, but these symptoms should start to fade once treatment begins.

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