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Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:
Symptoms in young children may also include:
A child under 2 years may only have a high temperature.
The symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis.
You think you or your child may have a kidney infection and:
A kidney infection can be serious if it's not treated as it can cause sepsis.
Call 111 or get help from 111 online if you cannot speak to or see a GP, or your symptoms are getting worse.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
If the GP thinks you have a kidney infection, you'll have your pee tested to check.
The main treatment for a kidney infection is antibiotic tablets, which you'll usually take for 7 to 14 days.
You'll usually feel better after about 2 weeks. People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of an infection.
If you have a long-term health condition, or you're pregnant, you may need to go to hospital to have antibiotics through a drip. This works faster than tablets.
In hospital, you'll have regular blood and urine tests to check your health and to make sure the antibiotics are working.
Most people are well enough to go home after 3 to 7 days.
There are some things you can try to ease kidney infection symptoms while you're having treatment. They can also help prevent a kidney infection coming back.
rest – it can take up to 2 weeks before you feel able to return to work
drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
take paracetamol to reduce a high temperature and relieve pain
give your child liquid paracetamol for children if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure
ask your doctor how much fluid you can drink if you have kidney problems
always try to fully empty your bladder when you pee
do not take ibuprofen unless advised by a doctor – it may increase your risk of further kidney problems
do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs are caused by bacteria in the tube that carries pee out of your body (uretha).
A kidney infection is often caused by cystitis, another type of UTI. But you can also have one without having cystitis.
You may be more likely to get a kidney infection if you have a problem with your kidney, such as kidney stones, or if you have certain conditions or a weakened immune system.
UTIs and kidney infections are more common in women, but anyone can get one.
