Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection? Yes. A kidney stone can contribute to a kidney infection, particularly when the stone blocks the ureter and prevents normal urine flow. A urinary blockage can allow bacteria to build up, increasing the risk of infection. A kidney infection can become serious, especially when infection occurs behind an obstruction, so fever, chills, worsening pain, vomiting, weakness, or difficulty urinating with a known kidney stone requires prompt medical evaluation.
Key Takeaways
- Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection? Yes, especially when a stone blocks urine flow.
- Kidney stones do not always directly cause infection; many kidney infections begin as bacterial infections in the bladder that travel upward.
- A stone blocking the ureter can make it harder for urine to drain normally and can increase infection risk.
- Fever and chills are more concerning for infection than typical kidney-stone pain alone.
- A kidney stone plus infection and urinary obstruction can be a urological emergency.
- Treatment may require antibiotics and, when there is an infected obstruction, urgent drainage of the urinary system.
- Do not rely on drinking extra water alone if you have fever, chills, severe pain, or other signs of infection.
Table of Contents
How Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection?
Kidney stones form when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form hard crystals. A stone may remain in the kidney without causing symptoms, or it may move into the ureter—the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
The problem becomes more serious when a stone blocks the ureter.
Normally, urine flows:
Kidney → Ureter → Bladder → Urethra
When a stone blocks this pathway, urine cannot drain normally. This obstruction can contribute to bacterial growth and infection.
The NHS specifically notes that a kidney stone blocking the ureter can cause a kidney infection because waste products cannot pass the blockage normally, potentially allowing bacteria to build up.
Important distinction
A kidney stone and a kidney infection are not the same condition.
A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract, often starting in the bladder and traveling upward to the kidney. A urinary blockage from a kidney stone is one factor that can increase the risk of developing a kidney infection.
How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone?
Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection Without Blocking the Ureter?
A kidney stone does not necessarily cause an infection simply by being present.
Small stones may pass without causing significant problems. However, kidney stones are associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections, and obstruction is particularly important because it interferes with normal urine drainage.
So, when asking Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection?, the key issue is often whether the stone is causing urinary obstruction.
What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones can cause:
- Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning while urinating
- A frequent need to urinate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty urinating or passing only a small amount of urine
- Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Fever or chills in some cases
Not every person with a kidney stone experiences all of these symptoms.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Infection?
A kidney infection can cause symptoms that overlap with kidney stones, but certain symptoms are particularly important.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills or feeling unusually cold or shivery
- Pain in the back, side, or groin
- Painful or frequent urination
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea or vomiting
A person with both a stone and an infection may therefore have kidney-stone pain plus fever or chills.
Kidney Stone vs Kidney Infection: How Can You Tell?
Symptoms can overlap, so symptoms alone cannot always determine whether an infection is present.
| Symptom | Kidney Stone | Kidney Infection |
|---|---|---|
| Severe side/back pain | Common | Can occur |
| Pain moving toward groin | Common | Less typical |
| Blood in urine | Can occur | Can occur |
| Painful urination | Can occur | Common |
| Nausea/vomiting | Common | Can occur |
| Fever | Concerning for infection | Common |
| Chills/shivering | Concerning for infection | Common |
| Cloudy/foul-smelling urine | Can occur with UTI | Can occur |
| Urinary blockage | Can occur | May result from a stone |
The important point is that fever or chills in someone with a kidney stone should not simply be assumed to be part of the stone pain. Infection needs to be considered.
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Can a Kidney Stone With a Fever Be Dangerous?
Yes.
A blocked urinary system with infection is potentially serious. The European Association of Urology describes an obstructed kidney with signs of urinary infection as a urological emergency. Urgent drainage may be necessary, using either a ureteral stent or a nephrostomy tube. Antibiotics are started promptly, while definitive stone treatment is generally delayed until the infection has been controlled.
This is different from an uncomplicated kidney stone that is being monitored while it passes naturally.
Seek urgent medical care if you have a kidney stone and:
- Fever
- Chills or shaking
- Severe or worsening pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Significant weakness or feeling very ill
- Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine along with other infection symptoms
- Symptoms suggesting infection that are getting worse
NIDDK advises seeking medical care right away when symptoms of kidney infection occur because, although uncommon, kidney infection can progress to sepsis.
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How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed?
Doctors may use several tests to determine whether a kidney infection is present and whether a kidney stone is causing an obstruction.
1. Urinalysis
A urine test can look for:
- White blood cells
- Blood
- Bacteria-related findings
- Other abnormalities
White blood cells and bacteria in urine can indicate a urinary tract infection.
2. Urine Culture
A urine culture can identify bacteria and help clinicians determine which antibiotics may be appropriate.
3. Blood Tests
Blood testing can help evaluate infection and kidney function.
4. Imaging
Imaging may be used to identify:
- The location of a kidney stone
- Urinary obstruction
- Changes in the urinary tract
- Other possible causes of symptoms
Depending on the situation, doctors may use ultrasound or CT imaging.
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How Is a Kidney Infection Caused by a Kidney Stone Treated?
Treatment depends on whether there is an infection, obstruction, and how sick the patient is.
Antibiotics
Bacterial kidney infections are generally treated with antibiotics. The choice and route of treatment depend on the patient’s condition and test results. Some people can take antibiotics by mouth, while more serious infections may require IV antibiotics and hospital care.
Treating the blockage
If a stone is blocking urine flow and infection is present, antibiotics alone may not be enough.
Doctors may need to urgently drain the blocked urinary system using:
- A ureteral stent, or
- A nephrostomy tube
The EAU recommends urgent decompression when there is sepsis associated with an obstructing stone. Definitive stone removal is generally delayed until the infection has resolved.
Can a Kidney Infection Go Away on Its Own?
A suspected kidney infection should not be treated as something to simply wait out.
NIDDK recommends seeking medical care right away when kidney infection symptoms occur. Antibiotics are commonly required when bacteria are responsible.
This is particularly important if a kidney stone is also present because an obstructed infected urinary system can require urgent drainage.
Can Drinking Water Treat a Kidney Infection From a Stone?
Drinking adequate fluids is important for urinary health, but water does not replace medical treatment for a kidney infection.
If a stone is blocking urine flow and infection is present, simply drinking more water cannot reliably remove the obstruction. Treatment may require antibiotics and urgent drainage.
Avoid forcing large amounts of water in an attempt to push a stone through, particularly if you are vomiting, unable to urinate normally, or have been told to restrict fluids.
Can Kidney Stones Cause Kidney Damage?
Most kidney stones do not cause permanent kidney damage when appropriately evaluated and treated. However, untreated stones can cause complications, including urinary tract infections and loss of kidney function.
The risk becomes more concerning when there is prolonged obstruction, infection, or other problems affecting urine drainage.
Can Kidney Stones Cause Sepsis?
An infected, obstructed urinary system can potentially lead to a severe systemic infection.
NIDDK notes that kidney infections can, in uncommon cases, lead to sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms such as fever and chills accompanied by confusion, rapid breathing or heart rate, severe pain, or shortness of breath require emergency medical attention.
What Should You Do If You Have a Kidney Stone and Fever?
If you have a known or suspected kidney stone and develop fever or chills, don’t assume that the fever is simply part of the stone.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly or seek urgent medical care, particularly if you also have:
- Severe flank or back pain
- Vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
- Feeling very weak or ill
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Rapid worsening of symptoms
An infected obstructed kidney may require urgent treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kidney stones cause a kidney infection?
Yes. A kidney stone can contribute to a kidney infection, particularly when it blocks the ureter and interferes with urine drainage.
Does every kidney stone cause an infection?
No. Many kidney stones pass without causing an infection. Infection becomes more concerning when there is urinary obstruction or another risk factor for UTI.
Can a kidney stone cause a UTI?
Yes. Kidney stones are associated with urinary tract infections, and an obstructing stone can increase the risk of infection.
Is fever normal with kidney stones?
Fever is not something to ignore when you have a kidney stone. It can indicate a urinary infection, particularly when accompanied by chills, urinary symptoms, or worsening pain.
Can a blocked kidney cause an infection?
Yes. Urinary blockage can contribute to infection, and a kidney stone is one possible cause of urinary tract blockage.
Can a kidney infection cause kidney stone pain?
A kidney infection can cause pain in the back or side, which can overlap with kidney-stone symptoms. Testing may be needed to determine the cause.
Do antibiotics dissolve kidney stones?
No. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection; they do not generally dissolve kidney stones. When a stone is obstructing an infected urinary system, additional treatment to drain the urine may be necessary.
Can a kidney stone infection be treated at home?
A suspected kidney infection should be medically evaluated rather than managed solely at home. This is especially important when a kidney stone may be blocking urine flow.
When is a kidney stone an emergency?
A kidney stone becomes particularly urgent when it is associated with infection, inability to urinate, severe uncontrolled pain, or other serious symptoms. An infected obstructed kidney is considered a urological emergency.
Can a kidney stone cause kidney failure?
Untreated kidney stones can cause loss of kidney function, although permanent damage is uncommon when stones are appropriately treated. Persistent obstruction and infection increase concern.
Bottom Line
Can Kidney Stones Cause a Kidney Infection? Yes—especially when a stone blocks the ureter and interferes with normal urine drainage. A kidney infection may cause fever, chills, urinary symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and back or side pain.
The combination of kidney stone + fever/chills + urinary obstruction deserves urgent medical attention because an infected obstructed kidney may require antibiotics and prompt drainage.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace diagnosis or individualized medical advice. If you have severe pain, fever/chills, persistent vomiting, difficulty urinating, or known urinary obstruction, seek prompt medical evaluation.
Medical Review
Dr. Jayanth Reddy – Consultant Urologist
My Health Hospitals, Hyderabad
This content has been medically reviewed for accuracy, safety, and reliability based on current urology treatment guidelines and patient education standards.
According to the National Health Service kidney stone symptoms guidance, severe flank pain may worsen during rest or nighttime and should never be ignored if accompanied by fever, vomiting, or difficulty urinating.
Author
Yamanandan Reddy
Health Content Writer & Frontend Developer
Yamanandan Reddy is a health content writer and frontend developer with over 4 years of experience in website design and digital content creation. He writes research-based health articles to help readers understand symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention methods related to common health conditions.
His articles are written using information from trusted medical sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Mayo Clinic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Sources
The information in this article is researched and verified using trusted medical resources, including:
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention