What causes a kidney infection or kidney stones and how do you treat it?

Kidney infection typically occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract through the tube that carries urine from your body (urethra) and begin to multiply. Kidney stones may form when the normal balance of water, salts, minerals, and other substances found in urine changes. The most important component of treating kidney infection (as with any bacterial infection) is timely initiation of antibiotics. In many cases, a trapped kidney stone eventually flushes out of the urinary tract on its own, especially if you drink plenty of fluids. You will need surgery if the stone doesn't pass on its own.