How common is blood in urine in kidney infection?

A kidney infection usually develops when bacteria travel upward from the bladder into a kidney. Inflammation can make blood cells enter the urine. Burning during urination, needing to pass urine often, fever, nausea, and pain in the side or back may occur as well. Some people see a colour change; others only learn about blood after a urine test.

Arrange same-day clinical advice if blood in urine occurs with symptoms of infection. A clinician can test the urine and decide whether treatment is needed. Drink fluids as you can tolerate unless you have been advised to limit them, and use only pain relief that is suitable for you. Finish any prescribed antibiotic course exactly as directed and contact the prescriber if symptoms are not settling.

Urgent care is appropriate for fever with shaking chills, vomiting that prevents fluids or medicine staying down, severe side or back pain, confusion, faintness, pregnancy, or inability to pass urine. These signs can indicate a more serious infection or an obstruction and should not be managed by waiting at home.

Ask whether the urine test suggests infection, whether a urine culture is needed, which pain medicines are appropriate, and what change should make you seek urgent help. If blood persists after treatment, ask what follow-up tests are planned.