Yes and no. While there are things that you can do at home that can ease pain and discomfort, there isn’t anything you can do by yourself to eliminate a kidney infection without medical help.

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team provides further information on kidney infections below, so read on.

What Is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys.

A kidney infection requires prompt medical attention. If not treated properly, a kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys, or the bacteria can spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection. We’ve listed some easy ways you can prevent future kidney infections below.

Ways to Prevent Kidney Infections

• Drinking plenty of water
• Urinating as soon as you feel the need to do so
• Urinating after intercourse
• Wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom if you are a woman. This helps to keep bacteria from the vagina from getting into the urethra.
• Avoiding the use of deodorant sprays or douches in the genital area

What Treatment Is Effective Against Kidney Infections?

Most kidney infections can be treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics, but some need more specialized treatment. If you have a serious infection, your doctor may require you to seek treatment at the hospital.

Like we said, though, most infections can be completely treated with antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics to you, you’ll likely feel all the way back to normal in around two weeks! Don’t wait to visit your doctor or our AFC center if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms.

Kidney Infection Symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Back or side pain
• Groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Urine that’s cloudy, smells bad or contains blood

Feeling under the weather? Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team is here for you! Walk in today.