Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection might include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Back, side (flank) or groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Urine that smells bad or is cloudy

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have worrisome signs or symptoms. If you're being treated for a urinary tract infection but your signs and symptoms aren't improving, make an appointment.

Severe kidney infection can lead to life-threatening complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you have kidney infection symptoms combined with bloody urine or nausea and vomiting.