- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
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.*
Book an appointment
Personalized treatment plans for kidney infections
Antibiotic prescriptions for effective UTI treatment
Telehealth support for kidney infection recovery
*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.
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: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.
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.
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.
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
Step 1
Book a kidney infection treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your kidney infection symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
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
How pricing works
To request kidney infection treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all 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
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:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
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
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Kidney infection treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Mayo Clinic. “Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) - Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387.
American Kidney Fund. “Kidney Infection.” American Kidney Fund, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-problems/kidney-infection.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis).” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis.
Urology Care Foundation. “Kidney (Renal) Infection (Pyelonephritis).” Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Association, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-(renal)-infection-pyelonephritis.
Cleveland Clinic. “Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis).” Cleveland Clinic, Accessed October 10, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15456-kidney-infection-pyelonephritis.