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Our Houston area urologists treat a variety of conditions and illnesses

Kidney Infections

What are kidney infections?

Patients often confuse bladder and kidney infections, but a kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is more serious. These infections begin in the lower urinary tract and move up to one or both kidneys. Our Houston urologists skillfully diagnose and treat patients who develop infections.

What causes these infections of the upper urinary tract?

Bacteria or viruses cause kidney infections. Usually, the infection begins in the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the tube from which urine leaves the body (urethra), or the bladder. From there, it spreads to the kidneys. Kidney stones, blockages in the urinary tract, or an enlarged prostate can also cause infection.

Which factors increase the risk of developing a kidney infection?

Men, women and children can get a kidney infection, but certain factors can raise the risk.

  • Women’s shorter urethras make them more likely to develop infections
  • Pregnant women have an even higher risk of getting a kidney infection
  • Diabetes
  • Using a catheter
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Having spinal cord or nerve damage that makes people unable to feel symptoms when they have a bladder infection

When patients don’t seek medical help in time, the infection can move to the kidneys.

What are the warning signs?

Kidney infections cause several symptoms.

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Pain in the side or lower back
  • Pain during urination
  • Urinating frequently or feeling the urgent need to go
  • Urine that is bloody or cloudy
  • Urine that smells foul

Patients who feel ill and notice these warning signs should contact our Houston urologists right away for diagnosis and treatment.

Our Houston urologists answer patients’ FAQs about kidney infections

A kidney infection is a serious medical issue and requires treatment to avoid complications. Patients should never ignore this condition.

When caught early and treated with antibiotics, patients may feel better in a few days. In the later stages, treatment may take several weeks.

UTIs and bladder infections occur in the lower urinary tract. Kidney infections occur in the upper tract. All three infections have similar symptoms, but a kidney infection causes sudden fever, pain and illness.

Yes. If a patient has symptoms that indicate a kidney infection, along with blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting, it’s time to go to the ER.

Our Houston urologists urge patients not to ignore the symptoms of a kidney infection. These infections require professional treatment. Contact us for an appointment.