Kidney Infection vs. UTI: Do You Know the Difference?

If you’re experiencing pain when urinating, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). While most UTIs develop in the bladder, bacteria can move into the kidneys, leading to kidney infections, which can have serious consequences.

“Many people ignore pain and other signs of a bladder infection and ‘wait it out’ until symptoms improve,” says Peyton Erb, a board-certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “If you seek medical help, we can often resolve symptoms quickly.”

The Difference Between UTIs and Kidney Infections

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract — the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Your body makes urine in the kidneys and then moves it through the ureters to the bladder. Urine is stored in the bladder and then emptied through the urethra. Normally, the act of urinating flushes out harmful bacteria. However, sometimes bacteria can still travel inside and infect the urinary tract. UTIs may stay in the urethra or develop in the bladder (cystitis).

Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are a type of UTI. Most kidney infections occur when bacteria that infect the lower urinary tract travel to one or both kidneys. These infections can lead to serious complications and take longer to treat.

Read More: Difficulty Urinating and Other Signs of Prostate Problems

Risk Factors for UTIs

Anyone can develop a UTI, but some people are more at risk than others. Women get UTIs more frequently than men, likely because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Around 60% of women will have at least one UTI during their life, compared to 12% of men. Pregnant women, older adults and young children are also more likely to get UTIs.

Other risk factors for UTIs include:

• A history of kidney stones
• A history of past UTIs
• Certain medications
• Enlarged prostate
• Going through menopause
• Having diabetes or a weakened immune system
• Having sex
• Poor hygiene
• Problems with incontinence
• Using diaphragms or spermicide for birth control

Some people may also have a genetic predisposition toward developing UTIs or anatomical abnormalities that make UTIs more likely.

Read More: 9 Symptoms to Never Ignore

Symptoms of UTIs vs. Kidney Infections

A UTI causes the tissue lining your urethra and bladder to become inflamed, causing symptoms such as:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Feeling the need to go even with an empty bladder
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

Symptoms of a kidney infection may be similar but can also include:

• Back pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea
• Pain in your side
• Vomiting

“Your provider is ultimately the best person to determine whether you have a UTI or kidney infection,” Erb says. “At your exam, discuss any ongoing symptoms, and your provider will arrange for testing.”

Read More: Bladder Control Treatment for Women

Don’t Delay Prompt Treatment

It’s important not to delay treatment if you suspect a UTI and even more important to get immediate treatment if you have symptoms of a kidney infection. Left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage. If you think your child may have a kidney infection or another type of UTI, call their pediatrician promptly.

Your provider can diagnose a UTI or kidney infection with a urine test. This involves taking a small sample of urine and sending it to a laboratory to be analyzed for bacteria, white blood cells or yeast. To diagnose a kidney infection, your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a CT scan, to get a closer look at the upper urinary tract.

UTIs and kidney infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Your dosage will vary based on how severe your infection is. Serious kidney infections may require a hospital stay so you can get bed rest and adequate fluids.

“Along with taking an antibiotic, speed healing by drinking plenty of water,” Erb says. “Liquids expel bacteria from your urinary tract. If you have a health condition that makes it difficult to get enough water, such as kidney disease or urinary incontinence, ask your physician how much is safe to drink.”

You Can Prevent UTIs

Follow these tips to reduce your chances of a UTI:

• Always go when you feel the urge instead of holding it in.
• Avoid vaginal douching, which causes overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
• Consider changing your birth control method if you use spermicide.
• Drink plenty of fluids daily (but limit caffeine).
• Use the bathroom before and after sex.
• Wash your genitals daily and before sex.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
• Wipe from front to back (not back to front).

For children who have frequent UTIs, you can:

• Avoid bubble baths.
• Change their diapers frequently if they still wear them.
• Ensure they stay hydrated.
• Teach them proper hygiene for wiping.
• Teach them to tell you when they need to urinate so they don’t hold urine in.

Help for Recurrent UTIs

Talk to a primary care provider if you experience three or more UTIs a year.

Recurrent infections or ongoing symptoms could be a sign of another medical problem. Your provider can help you find an effective UTI treatment or address an underlying cause.

UTIs can also occur as a side effect of some medications, so changing the medication or dosage could help.

It is especially important for older people or their caregivers to talk to their providers about frequent UTIs. UTIs can cause delirium (temporary symptoms such as confusion) in older adults.

Beaufort Memorial primary care providers and OBGYNs can help you manage UTIs, kidney infections or other bladder health concerns. Find a provider to help with a UTI or a kidney issue.