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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 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
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.
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.
Our Pyelonephritis locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.