Information From Your Health Care Provider

PYELONEPHRITIS, ACUTE

(Kidney Infection, Acute)

Basic information

description

Acute pyelonephritis is a kidney infection. The symptoms may begin suddenly and can range from mild to severe. It is called uncomplicated or complicated depending on a person's health status. Kidney infections can affect all ages and both sexes, but are more common in females.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever and shaking chills.
Burning, frequent urination.
Cloudy urine or blood in the urine.
Lower back (flank) pain (on one or both sides).
Pain in the abdomen.
Fatigue.
Nausea and vomiting.

causes

Most often, the infection is due to bacteria called Escherichia coli. Less often, other types of bacterial are the cause. The bacteria infection (called cystitis) begins in the bladder and the infected urine moves back up the tubes (ureters) that connect the bladder to the kidneys. This is called reflux.

risk increases with

Sexual intercourse (for women). New sexual partner.
Recent, or history of, urinary tract infection.
Catheters, tubes, or certain surgical procedures.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Diabetes.
Recent incontinence.
Recent spermicide use.
Blockage or abnormality of the urinary system. This can be caused by stones, obstructions, nerve diseases, tumors, or prostate enlargement.
Prolonged bed rest such as in nursing home.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Get treatment for any bladder infection.
Women and girls should wipe from front to back (not back to front) after going to the bathroom.
Urinate within 15 minutes after sexual intercourse.
Don't hold urine. If you have the urge to void, do so.
Drink plenty of fluids each day. Drink cranberry juice.

expected outcomes

With early diagnosis and treatment, an uncomplicated kidney infection is usually curable in 10 to 14 days. Pregnant women, elderly, and people with other health problems are more at risk for complications.

possible complications

Kidney infection recurs or becomes chronic.
Kidney damage and chronic kidney disease.
Blood infection (sepsis) or renal abscess.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam along with a pelvic exam in females and a rectal exam (for prostate problems) in males. Questions will be asked about your symptoms. Medical tests may include urinalysis, urine culture, and blood studies. Other tests may be done to diagnose kidney stones or obstructions.
Treatment usually involves antibiotic drugs, or, in some cases, surgery or hospital care may be needed.
Surgery may be needed for an obstruction or kidney stones, or for an abnormality diagnosed in a child.
Hospital care may be required for severe symptoms or for people with other medical disorders.
Be sure to see your health care provider for follow-up urine tests to verify that the infection is cured.
To learn more: National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 3 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; (800) 891-5390; website: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov.

medications

Oral antibiotics. Take all the antibiotics prescribed, even if symptoms clear up.
Antibiotics (intravenous or by injection), if oral antibiotics don't cure the infection.
Take nonprescription drugs such as ibuprofen for pain symptoms.
Urinary analgesics to relieve pain may be prescribed.

activity

Rest in bed until any fever and discomfort are gone. Resume sexual relations when advised by your health care provider.

diet

No special diet. Drink plenty of fluids each day.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of a kidney infection.
Symptoms and fever persist after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment. A different antibiotic may be needed.
Symptoms return after treatment is completed.