It is important to take the full course of treatment because symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully cleared. Severely ill patients with kidney infections may be hospitalized until they can take fluids and needed drugs on their own. Kidney infections generally require several weeks of antibiotic treatment. In such cases, kidney infections rarely lead to kidney damage or kidney failure unless they go untreated. A heating pad or a warm bath may also help.
Most doctors suggest that drinking plenty of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria.
For the time being, it is best to avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. Many women have them even more often. NIH-supported research at the University of Washington has shown this therapy to be effective without causing serious side effects. Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse. Dipsticks that change color when an infection is present are now available without prescription.