Show What is a UTI?A UTI, also known as a urinary tract infection, is when bacteria infect any part of the urinary system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract (aka. the bladder and urethra). Did you know?1 in 2 women will experience a UTI in their lifetime. What is a Kidney Infection?When a urinary tract infection (UTI) goes untreated, it can travel to one or both kidneys causing a kidney infection. If the kidney infection is not treated promptly, it can cause permanent kidney damage and can lead to a life-threatening infection if left untreated. Kidney Infection vs UTIThe main difference between a kidney infection and UTI is that a urinary tract infection can occur anywhere in the urinary system while a kidney infection occurs in one or both of the kidneys. Different CausesSome factors that can cause a UTI are:
Kidney infections can not only be caused by the factors listed above but can also develop from:
Symptom DifferencesKidney infections and UTIs share many of the same symptoms. Some common UTI symptoms include:
Someone with a kidney infection will have similar symptoms but might also have:
Differences in TreatmentsKidney infections and UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics. However, a serious kidney infection may warrant in-hospital treatment including IV (intravenous) antibiotics and fluids. Works CitedJenkins, Sarah. “How Do I Know If I Have A UTI Or A Kidney Infection?” NAFC, NAFC, 10 Feb. 2021, www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-a-uti-or-a-kidney-infection. “Kidney Infection vs. UTI: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Outlook.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kidney-infection-vs-uti. “Kidney Infection.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387. Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Do I Have a Kidney Infection or a Urinary Tract Infection?” Heathline, 20 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/kidney-infection-vs-uti. “Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447. More PostsCardiacDirect / About Author How do you tell the difference between a kidney infection and a bladder infection?Generally, kidney infection symptoms will feel worse during urination. When this pain is accompanied by a fever and persistent genital, stomach, or lower back pain, it is more likely to be a kidney infection than a bladder infection.
Where does it hurt when you have a kidney or bladder infection?When bacteria or viruses get into your kidneys, usually through your urinary tract, they can cause a kidney infection. If you have symptoms such as pain in the sides of your lower back, fever, chills or pain while urinating (i.e., peeing), contact your doctor right away.
What is worse a kidney infection or bladder infection?Which infections are worse? Most doctors regard kidney infections as the worst type of UTI, according to the NIDDK . A kidney infection is usually caused by a bladder or urethra infection where the bacteria multiply and travel upward toward the kidneys.
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