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Sexual Health Women’s Health Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Kidney Infection
Sexual Health ... Kidney Infection

Kidney infection treatment available online

In order to treat your kidney infection, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online to prescribe medications to get relief from pain and discomfort. Get a new prescription to treat a kidney infection or refill an existing prescription today.*

Personalized treatment plans for kidney infections Antibiotic prescriptions for effective UTI treatment Telehealth support for kidney infection recovery
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of Kidney Infections. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Learn about kidney infections

Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are severe conditions that occur when bacteria enter the kidney. Often the bacteria enter through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and move upstream into the kidney. Once inside the kidney, the bacteria can multiply quickly and cause an infection. A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that can cause significant damage if left untreated.

Kidney infection causes

Urinary tract infections typically begin when the bacteria enter through the urethra. Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria traveling up your bladder or urethra into the kidney. This can happen when:

  • There's a blockage in your urinary tracts, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate

  • There is backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidney

  • You have an infection in another part of your body, such as a respiratory or skin infection, though this is less common


Some risk factors for kidney infections include:

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Autoimmune disorders / weakened immune systems

  • Urinary tract defects

  • Use of a catheter

  • Females tend to be at higher risk


Viruses can also cause kidney infections, but this is less common. (Viruses are more likely to cause a urinary tract infection, which can lead to a kidney infection.)

Symptoms of kidney infections

Kidney infection and UTI symptoms can range from mild to severe and include the following:
Fever
Chills
Pain in your lower back or sides
Pain in lower abdomen
Frequent urge to urinate, which may be painful or difficult
Cloudy urine
Fatigue
Nausea

You must see a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Early kidney infection and UTI treatment can help prevent more severe problems.

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How to treat a kidney infection

Remember that kidney infections are one of many types of urinary tract infections. Doctors will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection (common in many UTI treatments). You'll need to take the entire course of the UTI antibiotics, even if you feel better after a few days. With proper treatment, patients can recover from kidney infections within a week or two.

Kidney infection medications

Doctors usually prescribe the following medications as part of the treatment plan, depending on the symptoms:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the most common types of medications used to treat urinary tract infections (as well as kidney infections). They work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Antibiotics are usually taken for seven to ten days as a course of treatment.

Pain relievers/ fever reducers

These medications are used to relieve the pain and reduce the fever associated with kidney infections. They are given orally or intravenously.

Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
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How to prevent a kidney infection

There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting urinary tract infections (and therefore kidney infections):

 

  • Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently: This also helps to flush bacteria out of your system.

  • Wipe from front to back: This helps prevent bacteria from your anus from entering your urethra—the opening through which urine exits your body.

  • Showers instead of baths: Showers are less likely to cause urinary tract infections than baths.

  • Keep your genital area clean daily: Clean the area around your private parts every day and be sure to dry off well after you shower or bathe

  • Avoid spermicides: While they are an effective method of birth control, they can also increase your risk of urinary tract infections.

  • Use a condom: In addition to being an effective method of birth control, condoms may offer some protection against urinary tract infections. They also help prevent sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to kidney problems.

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When to see a doctor for a kidney infection

If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor or visit urgent care as soon as possible:

  • Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Pain in your lower back or sides

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Cloudy urine

  • Increase in urination frequency

  • Burning sensation when urinating

 

Your doctor can perform the following to come to an official kidney infection or UTI diagnosis:

  • Look at your medical history

  • Order lab tests or a urine sample

  • Order blood tests

  • Order imaging tests

Kidney infection treatment FAQs

What is a kidney infection?

A kidney infection is one of the many types of urinary tract infections. It is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to your kidneys. It occurs when bacteria from your urinary tract enter your kidneys, begin to multiply and cause infections.

What are the symptoms of a kidney infection?

Common indicators that an infection has spread to the kidneys include UTI symptoms and the following: chills and shaking, a fever exceeding 101° F, nausea, cloudy urine, vomiting, intense feelings of general illness, back or side pain, and confusion, particularly in elderly patients.

Can online doctors write prescriptions for kidney infections?

Yes, our doctors write prescriptions for kidney infections for patients who qualify. Antibiotics are the first line of kidney infection treatment. Common antibiotics for a kidney infection that our doctors may prescribe if you qualify include: amoxicillin, Bactrim, cephalexin, Cipro, and clindamycin.

If you suspect a kidney infection, our healthcare professionals may provide a UTI prescription online after assessing your symptoms and medical history. However, it is important to note that not all antibiotics are effective against kidney infections. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting any treatment.

How long does it take to recover from a kidney infection?

On average, it takes a few days to a week to recover from a kidney infection with proper treatment. Recovery time may vary with patients. You may also need to take UTI antibiotics to treat a kidney infection for at least a week or more, depending on the kidney infection treatment prescribed by your doctor. Book an appointment to speak with one of out top online doctors to learn about kidney infection treatment online.

How can I prevent a kidney infection?

The best preventive measure for kidney infections is to ensure your urinary tract infection is properly treated. There are also ways to improve your urinary tract health using natural remedies, which, when combined with prescribed antibiotics for urinary tract infections, can help shorten your recovery time.

What bacteria causes kidney infections?

The most common bacterium that causes urinary tract infections is escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli can be found in the colons of humans and animals and in their fecal waste. The bacteria can develop in the urinary tract through the urethra and move into the kidneys, which may lead to kidney infections.

How do you treat a kidney infection without going to the doctor?

You can get your kidney infection treatment by seeing an online doctor. You’ll need a prescription for antibiotics in order to treat your kidney infection.

What is the fastest way to cure a kidney infection?

Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed medication for kidney infection and are considered the first line of treatment.

When should you go to the hospital for a kidney infection?

If you have a kidney infection, you should go to a hospital or doctor to receive in-person medical treatment if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Blood in urine

  • Pain in back or side

  • Chills

  • Vomiting or nausea

Can I get antibiotics for a kidney infection from a UTI online?

Yes, just as you can get antibiotics for a kidney infection online after a medical consultation with a licensed doctor, and you can also get antibiotic treatment for a urinary tract infection online if you qualify. Book an appointment to speak with the best online doctors and learn more.

 

3 simple steps to get treated for a kidney infection today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a kidney infection treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your kidney infection symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up a prescription for a kidney infection.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to kidney infections

Kidney infections can lead to other serious conditions, including:

  • Sepsis

  • Renal papillary necrosis: a tear in the kidney's outer layer

  • Increased risk of kidney stones

  • Permanent kidney damage



There are also a few rare but serious conditions that can develop as a result of a kidney infection, such as:

  • Kidney abscess

  • Perinephric abscess

  • Pyelonephritis: an inflammation of the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine)

  • Renal failure: when the kidneys can no longer filter waste from the blood

Kidney infection treatment pricing details

To request kidney infection treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

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Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.