Do I have a kidney infection? Or is it a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Have you ever had this doubt while experiencing that painful burning feel while peeing? Or do you pee more than often and urine has a foul smell?

Since the kidney infection and UTI have many shared symptoms, it is common for you to have these doubts. And you’re not alone.

In this blog we will explore the difference between Kidney Infection and UTI, and help you clarify your doubts.

Let’s begin with what causes kidney infection and UTI, to help you understand more.

Causes of Kidney Infection and UTI

Your urinary tract has several parts including kidneys, bladder and urethra.

When a bacteria infects your urinary tract, it is called Urinary Tract Infection. It could be Cystitis (an infection of the bladder) or Urethritis (an infection of urethra).

UTI needs a doctor’s evaluation and treatment.

Kidney Infection is a type of UTI. It is quite serious and if not treated on time, you will have to go through severe complications.

UTI

Bacteria can enter into your urinary tract. There could be 2 major reasons for this - wiping back to front and sexual activities. Both of these can push bacteria from anal area to the urethra.

This bacterium multiplies and UTI occurs.

Since the urethra of women are shorter and closer to anus than that of men, they are more likely to develop UTIs.

Though E.coli is the most common reason, some sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also cause UTI.

Kidney Infection

If you have UTIs and have not taken proper treatment on time, it can spread into your one or both kidneys.

Kidney infectioncan cause serious complications. It can damage your kidneys or lead to a life threatening situation called sepsis.

Another reason is kidney stone which blocks your urinary tract and blocks the bacteria. This can later lead to infection.

It can also happen as an aftermath of a kidney surgery.

If infection from any other part of your body spreads to kidneys, that can also cause kidney infection.

Risk Factors of UTI and Kidney Infection

Risk factors of UTI and Kidney Infection is given given below :

Symptoms of UTI and Kidney Infection

Kidney Infection and UTI have some common symptoms. Both cause a painful, burning sensation when you pee. In both cases, you have this constant feeling of urinating often.

Even if you are urinating frequently, in both cases, you only pee a small amount.

Both result in foul smelling, cloudy or bloody urine. Both cause discomfort in your abdomen.

We already discussed that if UTIs are not treated on time, it can lead to kidney infection.

Aside from the above mentioned symptoms, you will also experience the following symptoms, if you have kidney infection :

• Fever and Chills

• Pain in the lower back or side

• Nausea or Vomiting

• Urination is painful

These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people might not even have any symptoms.

If your child is the one who has Infection, he/ she might experience a high fever.

If you are an adult, you may not have any pain or issues while peeing. But you may be confused or you might have hallucinations and trouble while speaking.

Diagnosis of UTI and Kidney Infection

If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, you can buy a strip to check for UTI. If it shows that you have UTI, immediately consult a doctor.

The doctor will ask you for a urine test inorder to find any presence of bacteria, blood or pus.

If it is UTI, they will most likely prescribe you antibiotics for treating UTI.

But if they think that you might have kidney infection, they will ask you to do a Urine Culture test. They will also ask you to undergo some blood tests.

White blood cell count, blood cultures, and tests to check your levels of inflammatory markers are also included in these blood tests.

Sometimes, they will also do a CT scan of your pelvis and abdomen.

If they find that you have kidney infection, they will prescribe you necessary treatment according to your condition.

Treatment for UTI and Kidney Infection

• UTIs and kidney infections can be treated by taking antibiotics. Depending on the bacteria which caused you infection and depending on how severe your infection is, your doctor will prescribe you appropriate antibiotics.

• If you have UTI, it can be treated in 3 to 5 days.

• Kidney infections can be treated in 7 to 14 days.

• Few days after taking antibiotics, you will start feeling better. But you need to take the complete course of medicine as the doctor prescribed. Otherwise infection might happen again.

• Doctors will also give you medicines to alleviate your pain.

• If you are a pregnant woman, your doctor will make sure that your infection is completely healed, by repeating the tests, even if your symptoms disappear after taking medicine. This is to make sure that your baby is not harmed due to infection

• Now, if you have a severe case of infection, you might be hospitalised and you will be given medicines intravenously.

• If it's the shape of your urinary tract that is causing infection, your doctor will recommend surgery to resolve the issue.

Kidney Infections vs. UTI At A Glance