How do I know if I have a UTI or kidney infection?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 15, 2026
How can you tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI?
UTIs cause pain or burning during urination. You may also have: Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine.
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A kidney infection can also cause the symptoms listed above, as well as:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Pain in the back, side or groin.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
How long does it take a UTI to turn into a kidney infection?
Symptoms of kidney infection usually appear two days after infection. Your symptoms may vary, depending on your age. Common symptoms include: pain in your abdomen, back, groin, or side.How do you confirm a kidney infection?
To confirm that you have a kidney infection, you'll likely be asked to provide a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood or pus in your urine. Your doctor might also take a blood sample for a culture — a lab test that checks for bacteria or other organisms in your blood.Will a UTI or kidney infection go away on its own?
“Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.” UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis; and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)
Can you flush out a UTI with water?
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system. The best way to get the infection out of the system is by drinking liquids until the urine is clear and the stream is forceful.What are the symptoms of a kidney infection in a woman?
Symptoms
- 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.
What does it feel like when your kidneys hurt?
Kidney pain typically feels like a constant dull ache deep in your right or left flank, or both flanks, that often gets worse when someone gently hits the area. Most conditions usually affect only one kidney, so you typically feel pain on only one side of your back.What are the first signs of kidney problems?
Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.Where does it hurt when you have a kidney infection?
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually develop quite quickly over a few hours or days. Common symptoms include: pain and discomfort in your side, lower back or around your genitals.How do you tell if a UTI is getting worse?
It is important to see your doctor if you have any of the following UTI symptoms.
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If the infection has worsened and travels to the kidneys, symptoms can include the following:
- Pain in the upper back and sides.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
Where does your back hurt with a UTI?
An upper UTI can cause intense back pain as the infection reaches the kidneys. People will get pain in the lower back and groin area.What happens if UTI is left untreated for 2 weeks?
If left untreated for long, the worsening symptoms can lead to permanent kidney damage and septic shock where some of the organs stop functioning.Is kidney infection pain constant?
Kidney pain is usually sharp if you have a kidney stone and a dull ache if you have an infection. Most often it will be constant. It won't get worse with movement or go away by itself without treatment. If you're passing a kidney stone, the pain may fluctuate as the stone moves.Does UTI make your side hurt?
A urinary tract infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated (inflammation), which may produce some of the following symptoms: Pain in the side (flank), abdomen or pelvic area.Is kidney pain felt in front or back?
Kidney pain vs back painIn comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine. Kidney pain may also radiate to other areas, such as your abdomen or groin.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.Can you check your kidney function at home?
One of the best ways to test for CKD and assess kidney damage is a simple urine test which detects the presence of albumin. The smartphone app from Healthy.io enables lay users to conduct a urinalysis test at home and securely share results with their clinicians.Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys?
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.How can I tell if my back pain is kidney related?
Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it's felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage. It's often constant.How do you calm kidney pain?
10 At-Home Solutions for Kidney Pain
- Stay Hydrated. Hydration is key to relieving pain in the kidneys since water will help flush bacteria out of the body. ...
- Drink Cranberry Juice. ...
- Take Probiotics. ...
- Drink Parsley Juice. ...
- Take a Warm Epsom Salt Bath. ...
- Apply Heat. ...
- Use Non-Aspirin Pain Killers.
When should you go to the hospital for a kidney infection?
If treated promptly, a kidney infection shouldn't cause serious harm. If you experience a fever over 101°F, pain, are unable to drink or take oral medication along with some of the other symptoms, get to the nearest urgent care or ER.What does UTI pain feel like?
Common symptoms of a UTI include:A burning sensation when urinating. Abdominal pain, pelvic pressure and/or lower back pain. You may experience lower abdominal discomfort, bloating and/or feel pressure in the lower pelvic area, especially when urinating. Blood in the urine.