Pyelonephritis
Kidney infection
It is usually one kidney that develops the infection and it is more common in women than men
About kidney infections
Need to know
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Symptoms of pyelonephritis icon plus
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
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Screening and diagnosis icon plus
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.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
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.
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