Kidney infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as back or side pain, fever, chills, nausea, and changes in urination. But what if those symptoms aren’t constant? You may feel better for several hours, or even a day, only to have the discomfort return. So, do kidney infection symptoms come and go? They can. Symptoms may fluctuate in intensity, particularly during the early stages of an infection. However, feeling better temporarily doesn’t necessarily mean the infection has gone away. A kidney infection can become serious if it isn’t treated, which is why it’s important to understand the symptoms and know when to seek medical care.
For same-day kidney infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide the highest quality of care. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
What is a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that has traveled from the bladder or urethra up into one or both kidneys. Most kidney infections begin as lower urinary tract infections. Bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, initially causing symptoms such as burning during urination or an increased need to urinate. If the infection moves upward toward the kidneys, additional and potentially more serious symptoms can develop.
Common kidney infection symptoms include:
- Pain in the back, side, or below the ribs
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urination
- A strong persistent urge to urinate
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. Some people may primarily notice back or side pain, while others may initially have symptoms that resemble a typical bladder infection.
Why Might Kidney Infection Symptoms Come and Go?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that seem to disappear and then return, there are several possible explanations:
Symptoms Can Vary in Intensity
Infections don’t always cause a constant level of discomfort. Pain, fever, urinary symptoms, and other signs can become more or less noticeable throughout the day. For example, you might experience significant discomfort in the morning, feel relatively normal for several hours, and then notice pain or urinary symptoms again later. This temporary improvement doesn’t necessarily mean the underlying infection has resolved.
Your Body May Be Fighting the Infection
Your immune system continuously responds to an infection. As your body fights the bacteria, symptoms may temporarily become less noticeable before returning. This can sometimes create the impression that an infection is resolving on its own. However, bacterial kidney infections generally require medical treatment, and symptoms can worsen if the infection continues to spread.
Pain May Be Intermittent
Kidney infection pain isn’t always constant. Pain in the side or back may come and go or change in intensity depending on your activity, position, or other factors. Because back and side pain can have many cases, it’s important not to assume that intermittent pain is harmless, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, urinary changes, nausea, or other symptoms of infection.
Medication May Temporarily Mask Symptoms
Over-the-counter pain relievers or fever-reducing medications may make you feel better temporarily. Once the medication wears off, symptoms may return. While these medications can help with discomfort, they don’t treat the bacterial infection itself.
Can a Kidney Infection Go Away on its Own?
It’s possible for some urinary symptoms to temporarily improve without treatment, but you shouldn’t assume that a suspected kidney infection will resolve on its own. A kidney infection is different from a minor bladder infection because the infection has reached the kidneys. Without appropriate treatment, the infection can potentially spread into the bloodstream and cause a serious illness. If you have symptoms that could indicate a kidney infection, especially fever combined with back or side pain, it’s important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider rather than waiting to see if the symptoms disappear.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
If you think you may have a kidney infection, it’s a good idea to seek medical evaluation promptly, especially if your symptoms are returning or becoming more intense. Visit an urgent care center if you experience symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent urination along with other concerning symptoms
- Persistent pain in your back or side
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Cloudy or unusually foul-smelling urine
- Symptoms of a UTI that aren’t improving
Urgent care can evaluate your symptoms and perform testing, such as a urinalysis, when appropriate. If a bacterial infection is diagnosed, a healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek for UTI & Kidney Infection Symptom Relief
If kidney infection symptoms are coming and going, don’t simply wait for them to disappear. Early evaluation can help identify an infection and determine whether treatment is necessary. At AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek, our team can evaluate common urinary symptoms, perform appropriate testing, and help you understand the next steps. Visit us today if you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI or possible kidney infection and need prompt medical attention. We are available seven days a week to provide expert care. Appointments are never required, simply walk-in today! We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about kidney infection treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 692-8000.