A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects one or both kidneys. It often causes stomach bloating or abdominal discomfort along with other symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and pain in the back or sides. Bloating occurs because the infection causes inflammation in the kidneys and throughout the urinary tract, including the bladder. This can interfere with the normal processes of urination and digestion, leading to an uncomfortable buildup of fluids and gas in the abdomen.
What causes bloating with a kidney infection?
There are a few reasons why bloating is a common symptom of kidney infections:
- Inflammation in the kidneys: When the kidneys become infected, it causes swelling and inflammation. This can put pressure on the kidneys themselves, nearby organs like the intestines, and the walls of the abdomen.
- Bladder irritation: The infection also causes inflammation in the bladder, which sits right in front of the intestines. A swollen and irritated bladder can make it difficult for the intestines to function normally.
- Urinary retention: Kidney infections often lead to a frequent urge to urinate but an inability to fully empty the bladder. The retention of urine causes the abdomen to distend.
- Digestive issues: An infected kidney may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This can further disrupt normal digestive processes and lead to bloating.
- Dehydration: Fever, vomiting, and frequent urination from the infection can result in dehydration. This causes the body to retain more water, contributing to a bloated feeling.
Overall, the inflammation, urinary retention, and dehydration caused by the kidney infection places pressure on the intestines and abdomen, preventing normal elimination of gas and waste.
How common is bloating with kidney infections?
Bloating is a very common symptom, occurring in over half of people with pyelonephritis. According to one study, about:
- 61% of people with a kidney infection experience abdominal pain or discomfort
- 54% experience nausea and vomiting
- 8% have constipation or diarrhea
So while not everyone with a kidney infection gets bloated, a majority do experience some kind of digestive upset or abdominal discomfort. Bloating tends to be more common in women and when the infection is severe.
When does bloating occur with a kidney infection?
In most cases, bloating will begin soon after the other symptoms of a kidney infection first appear. Signs like fever, chills, nausea, and flank pain typically start quite suddenly. Bloating, distension, and abdominal discomfort often follow within a day or two as the infection progresses and inflammation builds up throughout the urinary tract.
In some cases, bloating or mild abdominal pain may actually be one of the earliest symptoms experienced. However, it usually gets worse over the first few days of the illness. Bloating typically lasts for the duration of the infection, starting to improve once antibiotic treatment is started. It may take 1-2 days for the swelling and discomfort to fully resolve.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to see a doctor promptly if you develop symptoms of a possible kidney infection like:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Pain in the lower back, sides, or groin
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Increased urinary frequency and urgency
Without treatment, a kidney infection can permanently damage the kidneys and spread to the bloodstream. Seek emergency care if you have symptoms like high fever, shaking chills, confusion, or vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down. This may indicate a severe kidney infection that requires IV antibiotics and possible hospitalization.
What causes a kidney infection?
Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria, most often E. coli, that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the kidneys. Risk factors include:
- Female anatomy – shorter urethras make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and kidneys
- Urinary blockages like kidney stones
- Urinary catheters or other instruments that can introduce bacteria
- Impaired immune system
- Recent urinary tract procedure
- Spinal cord injury impacting urination
- Abnormal urinary tract structure
- History of frequent UTIs
How are kidney infections treated?
Kidney infections require prompt antibiotic treatment, usually with a course of oral antibiotics for 7-14 days. Hospitalization for IV antibiotics may be needed if:
- The person is very ill
- There are signs the infection may be spreading
- Oral medications are not able to be tolerated
- The person has a weakened immune system or anatomical abnormalities
- There is no improvement within the first 1-2 days of oral antibiotics
In addition to antibiotics, treatment focuses on staying well hydrated to help flush out the urinary tract. Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve discomfort from the infection. Follow up tests are done to confirm the infection has cleared.
Tips for managing bloating from a kidney infection
To help manage bloating and abdominal discomfort until the infection clears:
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, broths, and diluted juices
- Avoid carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks as these can worsen bloating
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large volumes
- Choose low gas-producing foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
- Avoid foods that can cause gas like beans, cruciferous veggies, dairy, and fried or fatty items
- Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Ask your doctor about using over-the-counter medications for bloating like simethicone
- Get up and move around, going for short walks can help relieve pressure
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises
When to seek emergency treatment
Seek immediate medical care if you have a kidney infection along with:
- High fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
- Severe flank or abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
- No improvement after 2-3 days of oral antibiotics
These can be signs of a serious kidney infection that may require hospitalization for complications like kidney abscess, sepsis, or acute kidney failure. Abdominal and flank pain that suddenly worsens can also indicate the kidney infection is causing damage.
Preventing kidney infections
You can reduce your risk of developing a kidney infection by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
- Urinating as soon as the need arises and emptying the bladder fully
- Wiping front to back after using the bathroom
- Avoiding prolonged use of urinary catheters when possible
- Treating underlying conditions like diabetes and urinary blockages
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Avoiding douching or irritating feminine products
- Stopping smoking
- Seeking prompt treatment for any suspected UTIs
Conclusion
Kidney infections frequently cause bloating and abdominal discomfort due to the inflammation and urinary retention they produce. While uncomfortable, this symptom is generally not dangerous if the infection is properly treated. Seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, managing pain and fevers, and avoiding gas-producing foods can help relieve bloating until antibiotics are able to clear up the infection. With appropriate treatment, most people make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks.