Is it a Kidney Infection or a UTI?

For many people, bathroom time is tough to talk about. But when a urinary tract infection (UTI) is causing painful trips to the potty, relief can’t come fast enough. And if your UTI occurs in the kidneys, fast treatment can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent organ damage.
While it may feel like all UTIs are the same – they’re all pretty miserable – they aren’t created equal. UTIs and kidney infections have different locations, causes, and treatment plans that set them apart. But because the symptoms are so similar, deciding which you have can be difficult. Luckily, we have some tips to help you reach the right diagnosis.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters a part of your urinary tract–the bladder, urethra, ureter, uterus, or kidneys. If the body is unable to flush the bacteria back out, it can multiply quickly and cause an infection. UTIs are incredibly common, affecting millions of people each year, and typically occur in the bladder or urethra.
Most UTIs are caused by E.Coli, a common bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. Other causes include sexual intercourse, poor hygiene, underlying conditions, and some forms of birth control.
Symptoms of a UTI are painful and uncomfortable, but typically harmless. They often come on suddenly and can include:
- Strong and frequent urges to urinate, often with little urine output
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in urine
- Urine with a cloudy color and/or strong smell
- Pelvic Pain
Some UTIs may clear up on their own, but treatment is recommended to prevent unwanted complications and relief from symptoms. Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics and increased fluids. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief from severe or bothersome symptoms.
Kidney Infections
Like other UTIs, kidney infections are caused by bacteria. They usually occur when lower UTIs are left untreated, allowing bacteria to spread upward to the kidneys. In rare cases, they can also be caused by a urinary obstruction such as a kidney stone or enlarged prostate. Unlike other UTIs, kidney infections are relatively rare and potentially dangerous, especially in high-risk or vulnerable patients.
The symptoms of a kidney infection are often more severe than other UTIs. In addition to urinary symptoms, a kidney infection can cause:
- Fever
- Chills
- Lower back or flank pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Kidney infections require prompt treatment to prevent permanent kidney damage. Untreated kidney infections can also spread to other parts of the body, causing a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect a kidney infection, seek medical treatment immediately. Most kidney infections respond well to antibiotics.
Suspect a UTI? Urgent Care of Fairhope Can Help.
Urgent Care of Fairhope routinely treats UTIs in our convenient Fairhope walk-in clinic. Our newly-built facility and expert medical team have the tools to test, diagnose, and treat your infection quickly and efficiently. If you’re suffering with symptoms of a UTI or kidney infection, visit our Fairhope location at any time during operating hours for fast, friendly care. You can even check the waitlist online to time your visit to perfection!
Search our Blog
Recent Posts
2025 Summer Camp Guide: Eastern Shore, Alabama
School’s out for summer! While the kids are rejoicing, we know many parents are picturing long days of screen time, junk food and boredom. If you haven’t scheduled a summer camp experience for your [...]
Easy, Nutritious Summer Treats Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Summer break in Fairhope means beach days, splash pads, and the inevitable chorus of "I'm huuuungry!" approximately every 17 minutes. With schedules all over the place and kids burning energy faster than your phone battery [...]
Memorial Day Safety: Tips for a Healthy Start to Summer
Memorial Day weekend is that magical time when we dust off the grill, break out the beach chairs, and officially declare summer open for business on the Eastern Shore. At Urgent Care of Fairhope, we [...]
Low-Carb Snacks for Diabetic Kids: Tasty, Fun, and Blood Sugar-Friendly
Finding the right snacks for kids with Type 1 diabetes can feel like a challenge. You want something delicious, but also something that won’t send their blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride. The key? Low-carb, [...]
Measles Guide for Parents: What You Need to Know
Recent measles outbreaks have many parents on high alert, and with good reason—measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. While it was once considered a routine childhood illness, modern medicine has [...]
Everything You Need to Know About the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival
In Fairhope, it doesn’t really feel like spring until we’re counting down the days to our favorite annual springtime event: the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Now in its 73rd year, this downtown celebration is [...]