Pyelonephritis

Need to know

• 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

• 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.

• 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.