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Conditions · Kidney Infection Kidney infection? Caught early, treated before it causes lasting harm.

Pyelonephritis is a serious infection that has spread up from the bladder to one or both kidneys - fast diagnosis and antibiotic treatment protect your kidney function. No GP referral needed.

Mr Maneesh Ghei Treated personally by Mr Maneesh GheiConsultant Urological Surgeon · GMC 5208045 BupaPlatinum Consultant
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In short

A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a urinary tract infection that has spread up to one or both kidneys - it needs prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage or sepsis.

Medically reviewed by Mr Maneesh Ghei·GMC 5208045·September 2026

Recognise It

Signs of a kidney infection

Pain and fever

Sharp pain in the back, side or groin, often with a sudden high fever and shaking chills.

Urinary changes

Frequent, urgent or burning urination, and urine that looks cloudy or contains blood.

Feeling unwell

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and general fatigue often accompany a kidney infection.

Your Options

Treating a kidney infection

Antibiotics

Mild infections respond to oral antibiotics for 7 to 14 days, while severe infections need intravenous treatment in hospital.

Pain relief and hydration

Paracetamol or ibuprofen manage pain and fever, alongside plenty of fluids to help flush the infection.

Treating the underlying cause

Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that obstruct urine flow are treated to prevent recurrence.

Imaging

Ultrasound, CT or MRI checks for any structural cause and confirms the infection has not caused lasting damage.

Simple, Fast, Clear

Your path to the right treatment in 3 steps

1

Get seen urgently

A suspected kidney infection deserves fast assessment - seen within days.

2

Urine and blood tests

Confirm the infection and identify the bacteria involved, guiding the right antibiotic.

3

Treatment and follow-up

Antibiotics, pain relief and, where needed, treatment of the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.

Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon
GMC 5208045 · FRCS (Urol)
Your Consultant

Mr Maneesh Ghei

MBBS, MS, MRCSEd, MD (UCL), FRCS (Urol)

Mr Ghei is a consultant urological surgeon with a specialist focus on prostate diagnosis and treatment. He holds a Research MD from University College London and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

In his NHS role he is Cancer Lead and Academic Lead at Whittington Hospital London - one of a small number of consultant urologists in the UK to hold both positions. Every private patient is cared for by Mr Ghei personally, from first appointment through to any treatment that follows.

Cancer Lead · Whittington Hospital BupaPlatinum recognised consultant English · Hindi · Punjabi · Urdu
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Common Questions

Before you book

Can kidney infections recur?
Yes, particularly if underlying issues such as urinary tract obstructions are not addressed. Recurrent infections may need further evaluation to identify and resolve any predisposing factors.
Can a kidney infection cause long-term damage?
If untreated or inadequately treated, a kidney infection can cause scarring and loss of kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney infection?
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience high fever, persistent pain, nausea, vomiting or urinary changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
How do I know if a kidney infection is serious?
Severe symptoms such as high fever, persistent pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion or a rapid heart rate indicate a serious infection that needs immediate medical attention.
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