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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 Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
The importance of finding the right fertility team: Zoe's story
After experiencing multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, Zoe and Giorgio faced an emotional and uncertain journey to parenthood. Despite setbacks and unanswered questions, they remained determined to find answers and explore new options.
Richard's story
After experiencing what he thought was heartburn, it was the rapid assessment and treatment Richard received at The Harborne Hospital that helped prevent a serious heart problem from becoming much worse.
Sarah's story
Sarah, a health copywriter, aged 47, from Birmingham, was looking forward to enjoying the first few months of married life, when her painful periods revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis and metastatic appendix cancer.