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Pyelonephritis
Urgent
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that usually begins as an infection in the bladder or lower urinary tract and then spreads upward to one or both kidneys. It commonly causes fever, chills, painful or frequent urination, and pain in the back, side, or groin. Nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine may also occur.
Body System
Kidneys & Urinary Tract
When to Seek Medical Attention
Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, requires prompt medical treatment. Seek medical care right away for fever, chills, pain in the back or side, painful urination, nausea, or vomiting. Emergency assessment is needed for severe weakness, confusion, fainting, severe vomiting or dehydration, markedly worsening symptoms, or signs of a serious systemic infection.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that usually begins as an infection in the bladder or lower urinary tract and then spreads upward to one or both kidneys. It commonly causes fever, chills, painful or frequent urination, and pain in the back, side, or groin. Nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine may also occur.
Symptoms 3
Fever
Frequent Urination
Urinary Retention
Causes 1
Pyelonephritis is most often caused by bacteria that enter the lower urinary tract and travel upward through the ureters to the kidneys. It commonly develops from an untreated or persistent bladder infection. Less commonly, infection may reach the kidneys through the bloodstream. Urinary obstruction, reflux, or other urinary tract problems can increase the likelihood of kidney infection.
Hormonal Imbalance
Risk Factors
Risk is higher in females, during pregnancy, and in people with a current or recent bladder infection. Urinary tract blockage from a kidney stone or enlarged prostate, vesicoureteral reflux, diabetes, and weakened immunity can increase risk. Structural or functional problems affecting normal urinary flow can also make kidney infections more likely.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of pyelonephritis involves medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Urinalysis can detect blood and white blood cells in the urine, while urine culture can identify bacteria and help guide antibiotic treatment. Blood tests may assess infection and kidney function. Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or other imaging may be used when obstruction, complications, or another cause is suspected.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Prompt treatment of bladder infections can help reduce the chance of infection spreading to the kidneys
Drink adequate fluids unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise, and seek medical care for symptoms such as fever, back or side pain, or painful urination
People with recurrent infections, urinary blockage, reflux, diabetes, or other risk factors should follow individualized medical advice
Prevention Guidance
Prompt treatment of bladder infections can help reduce the chance of infection spreading to the kidneys. Drink adequate fluids unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise, and seek medical care for symptoms such as fever, back or side pain, or painful urination. People with recurrent infections, urinary blockage, reflux, diabetes, or other risk factors should follow individualized medical advice.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Vegetables
Support prostate health.
Tomatoes
Contain beneficial antioxidants.
Whole Grains
Support overall health.
Fresh Fruits
Provide essential nutrients.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen urinary symptoms.
Excess Caffeine
May increase urinary frequency.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
BPH is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Frequent urination and weak urine flow are common.
No, BPH is not cancer.
PSA testing, examination, and imaging may be used.
Yes, medicines and surgery are available.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.