About Kidney infection
A kidney infection is usually a urinary infection that has travelled upward from the bladder. Fever, chills, side or back pain, nausea and urinary symptoms are common and require prompt medical assessment.
Symptoms can overlap between conditions. How they change, relevant health history, medications and risk factors are therefore as important as the condition name during an assessment.
Symptoms and details worth noting
Before a consultation, note the details that best describe the concern. They help the healthcare professional understand the problem and how urgent it may be.
- Burning, frequency, urgency or difficulty urinating
- Lower abdominal, pelvic, back or side pain
- Fever, chills, nausea, blood or unusual urine
- Pregnancy possibility, prior infections, kidney issues and recent antibiotics
Possible causes and context
These factors can guide an assessment, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
- A bladder or urinary-tract infection
- Irritation, dehydration or sexual activity
- A kidney stone or prostate-related issue
- A genital infection or another condition with similar symptoms
LASO MD
How a virtual consultation may help
The healthcare professional first checks symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Based on the assessment, they may discuss appropriate options or recommend in-person care.
- Review symptoms and personal risk factors
- Distinguish bladder symptoms from warning signs of kidney involvement
- Discuss whether urine or STI testing is needed
- Determine whether virtual treatment or in-person assessment is appropriate
Signs that need prompt attention
Seek urgent care for fever with side or back pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, inability to urinate, severe pain, pregnancy with concerning symptoms or rapidly worsening illness.