Pyelonephritis

KIDNEY INFECTION

It is usually one kidney that develops the infection and it is more common in women than men

About kidney infections

Most kidney infections develop as a complication of cystitis (bladder infection). Bacteria causing cystitis can travel up to infect a kidney. The bacteria are usually those which live in the bowel. Some kidney infections develop without a bladder infection. This is due to other problems in the kidney such as stones or an abnormality of the kidney.

Need to know

Symptoms of pyelonephritis

Symptoms of pyelonephritis may include:

pain in the side of the abdomen or back area over the kidney (loin pain)
high temperature (38 degrees centigrade), with shivering
feeling nauseous, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
blood in your urine (haematuria)
pain on urinating and frequency
urinary tract infections
urinary frequency or urgency

Screening and diagnosis

Your consultant or GP will ask about your symptoms and recent medical history. They will carry out a urine test to see if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you are a man with a confirmed infection, your consultant will refer you straight to our urology department for further investigation. Urological investigations include:

MRI scan
contrast-enhanced computer demography (CECT)

If your consultant is concerned that you may have an obstruction (such as a kidney stone that is stuck in the ureter) or a structural abnormality in your urinary system, other tests may be ordered, such as a CT (computed tomography) scan or ultrasound.

Potential treatment options

Treatment options include:

increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration
antibiotics, to clear the infection
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers*

*These will not be recommended unless absolutely necessary as they can cause an increased risk of problems with the kidney function during a kidney infection.