
Medication
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics treat your bacterial infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. ...
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. ...
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. ...
- Take your medicine as directed. ...
Nutrition
The following medicines are used:
- antibiotics;
- nitrofurans;
- non-fluorinated quinolones (derivatives of nalidix and pipemidic acid);
- derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline;
- sulfonamides;
- plant uroantiseptics.
How long should you treat pyelonephritis?
What is Kidney (Renal) Infection - Pyelonephritis?
- Symptoms. Very young children (younger than 2 years old) may only have a high fever. ...
- Causes. Although the urinary system is designed to keep bacteria out, problems can occur. ...
- Diagnosis. Many problems in the pelvis and abdomen can cause symptoms that look like kidney infection. ...
- Treatment. ...
- After Treatment. ...
- Frequently Asked Questions. ...
What antibiotics are used to treat pyelonephritis?
Rarely, pyelonephritis can develop into a serious infection that threatens the afflicted kidney, and possibly the patient’s life. Severe or untreated pyelonephritis may cause permanent kidney scars, which can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.
How to diagnose and treat pyelonephritis?
How serious is pyelonephritis?

Can pyelonephritis be cured completely?
Treating pyelonephritis Although drugs can cure the infection within 2 to 3 days, the medication must be taken for the entire prescription period (usually 10 to 14 days). This is true even if you feel better. The antibiotic options are: levofloxacin.
How long does it take to recover from pyelonephritis?
To heal the infection and stop it from returning, it is common to get two or more weeks of antibiotics. After treatment, urine cultures are used to make sure the infection doesn't return. If it does, two more weeks of medicine is offered. If it happens again, up to 6 weeks of medicine may be used.
What is the first line treatment for pyelonephritis?
Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are the first line empiric treatment for acute pyelonephritis. An effective modality along when given IV or IM or given as a first dose in outpatient treatment.
What is the drug of choice for pyelonephritis?
The penicillins (amoxicillin) and first-generation cephalosporins are the drugs of choice for chronic pyelonephritis because of good activity against gram-negative rods and good oral bioavailability.
What is the strongest antibiotic for kidney infection?
Commonly used antibiotics for kidney infections include ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, co-amoxiclav or trimethoprim. Painkillers such as paracetamol can ease pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). Stronger painkillers may be needed if the pain is more severe.
What should I avoid with pyelonephritis?
Here are 17 foods that you should likely avoid on a renal diet.Dark-colored soda. In addition to the calories and sugar that sodas provide, they harbor additives that contain phosphorus, especially dark-colored sodas. ... Avocados. ... Canned foods. ... Whole wheat bread. ... Brown rice. ... Bananas. ... Dairy. ... Oranges and orange juice.More items...
How long do you take antibiotics for pyelonephritis?
In the current International Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis, the recommended duration of treatment for pyelonephritis is 7 days for fluoroquinolones, 10–14 days for β-lactams and 14 days for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
What is the most common cause of pyelonephritis?
The main cause of acute pyelonephritis is gram-negative bacteria, the most common being Escherichia coli. Other gram-negative bacteria which cause acute pyelonephritis include Proteus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.
What are the classic signs of pyelonephritis?
The classic presentation in acute pyelonephritis is the triad of fever, costovertebral angle pain, and nausea and/or vomiting. These may not all be present, however, or they may not occur together temporally. Symptoms may be minimal to severe and usually develop over hours or over the course of a day.
What antibiotics treat acute pyelonephritis?
Patients hospitalized with acute pyelonephritis should be treated with one of three initial intravenous therapies: a fluoroquinolone; an aminoglycoside with or without ampicillin; or an extended-spectrum cephalosporin with or without an aminoglycoside.
Why is nitrofurantoin not used in pyelonephritis?
Nitrofurantoin should not be administered to patients with acute bacterial pyelonephritis as nitrofurantoin does not reach therapeutic concentrations in the upper urinary tract, and bacteremia often accompanies this disease.
Does pyelonephritis show up on CT scan?
CT is the modality of choice for evaluating patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis. The type of emphysematous pyelonephritis can be easily and accurately defined on the basis of CT findings (,31).
What to do if you have a kidney infection?
If you have a kidney infection, a health care professional will prescribe antibiotics. Even before your test results are in, the health care professional may prescribe an antibiotic that fights the most common types of bacteria. Although you may feel relief from your symptoms, make sure to take the entire antibiotic treatment ...
How do you take antibiotics for kidney infection?
You may take these antibiotics by mouth, through a vein in your arm, called by IV, or both . If you are very sick from your kidney infection, you may go to a hospital for bed rest. A health care professional may give you fluids through an IV.
What to do if you have a repeat test?
If a repeat test shows infection, you may take another round of antibiotics. If your infection comes back again, he or she may prescribe antibiotics for a longer time period. If your health care professional prescribes antibiotics, take all of the antibiotics as prescribed and follow the advice of the health care professional.
What to do if kidney stone blocks urinary tract?
If something such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate is blocking your urinary tract, a doctor can sometimes treat the problem with surgery or another procedure. If you think you have a kidney infection, see a health care professional right away.
Can a kidney infection be prevented?
Many kidney infections start as a bladder infection, so preventing bladder infections may help prevent kidney infections . Scientists are still trying to understand the best ways to prevent bladder infections, but these small changes in your daily habits may help:
What are the causes of pyelonephritis?
A man is more likely to develop the problem if his prostate is enlarged, a common condition after age 50. Both men and women are more likely to develop pyelonephritis if they have any of the following conditions: 1 An untreated urinary tract infection 2 Diabetes 3 Nerve problems that affect the bladder 4 Kidney stones 5 A bladder tumor 6 Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, called vesicoureteral reflux 7 An obstruction related to an abnormal development of the urinary tract
How long does it take for pyelonephritis to be adjusted?
People with pyelonephritis may have bacteria in their blood as well as their urine. Antibiotics are started prior to the culture results and will be adjusted once the bacterial species is identified in 24 to 48 hours.
What is the term for the backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys?
Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, called vesicoureteral reflux. An obstruction related to an abnormal development of the urinary tract. Tests or procedures that involve the insertion of an instrument into the bladder also increase the risk of urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis.
What age do men develop pyelonephritis?
A man is more likely to develop the problem if his prostate is enlarged, a common condition after age 50. Both men and women are more likely to develop pyelonephritis if they have any of the following conditions: Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, called vesicoureteral reflux.
How do you know if you have pyelonephritis?
The two primary symptoms of pyelonephritis are pain in one flank, the area just beneath the lower ribs in the back, and fever. The pain can travel around the side toward the lower abdomen. There also can be shaking chills and nausea and vomiting. The urine may be cloudy, tinged with blood or unusually strong or foul-smelling.
Can pyelonephritis cause kidney damage?
A single episode of uncomplicated pyelonephritis rarely causes permanent kidney damage in an otherwise healthy adult. However, repeated episodes of pyelonephritis can cause chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease in children, people with diabetes, and adults who have structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, or nerve diseases that disrupt bladder function. Pyelonephritis can become chronic if an infection cannot be cleared easily, as in a person with a kidney stone or a developmental abnormality of the urinary system.
How can pyelonephritis be prevented?
Can kidney infections (pyelonephritis) be prevented? Kidney infections can be prevented by keeping bacteria out of the urinary tract and bladder. Infections in the kidney often start as a lower tract infection in the bladder. By preventing these infections, you may be able to prevent kidney infections.
How to keep kidneys healthy?
There are several ways to avoid infection and keep your kidneys healthy. These tips can include: Hydration: It is important to drink adequate fluid (not only water) every day but there is no specific recommendation that applies to every patient..
What is the name of the disease that occurs when bacteria is not flushed out of the body?
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) typically happen when bacteria is not flushed out of the body with urine. These bacterial infections occur in about three to seven of every 10,000 people in the U.S. Urology 216.444.5600. Nephrology 216.444.6771.
What are the symptoms of kidney infection?
Symptoms of a kidney infection include: Sudden onset of chills. Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pain in the groin, lower back or side. Nausea. Vomiting.
How to prevent infections in women?
Men and women should both do this to prevent infections. Practice good hygiene: Keeping yourself clean can help protect your body from infections. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to push bacteria away from the urethra (an opening in the body). This is especially important for women.
Can you take all the medication for pyelonephritis?
You may begin feeling better shortly after beginning a treatment, but still need to take the entire prescribed treatment.
Can pyelonephritis be treated without X-rays?
The strain of bacteria that are cultured will determine the type of therapy used in your treatment. Pyelonephritis can often be treated without X-ray studies, unless your doctor suspects there may be an addition problem.
What is the first course of action against acute pyelonephritis?
Antibiotics are the first course of action against acute pyelonephritis. However, the type of antibiotic your doctor chooses depends on whether or not the bacteria can be identified. If not, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is used.
What is a pyelonephritis?
Understanding pyelonephritis. Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden and severe kidney infection. It causes the kidneys to swell and may permanently damage them. Pyelonephritis can be life-threatening. When repeated or persistent attacks occur, the condition is called chronic pyelonephritis.
What causes pyelonephritis in children?
Chronic forms of the condition are more common in people with urinary obstructions. These can be caused by UTIs, vesicoureteral reflux, or anatomical anomalies. Chronic pyelonephritis is more common in children than in adults.
What is the most common cause of acute pyelonephritis?
Acute pyelonephritis. Any problem that interrupts the normal flow of urine causes a greater risk of acute pyelonephritis. For example, a urinary tract that’s an unusual size or shape is more likely to lead to acute pyelonephritis.
When to do urine culture for pyelonephritis?
To prevent pyelonephritis in pregnant women, a urine culture should be conducted between the 12th and 16th weeks of pregnancy. A UTI that doesn’t have symptoms can lead to the development of pyelonephritis. Detecting the UTI early can prevent kidney infection.
How many trips to the doctor for pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis in children. According to the American Urological Association, in the United States, more than one million trips to the pediatrician are made each year for pediatric UTIs. Girls are at increased risk if over one year old. Boys are at greater risk if under one, especially if they’re uncircumcised.
Is pyelonephritis a UTI?
Pyelonephritis can be a serious condition. Contact your doctor as soon as you suspect that you have pyelonephritis or a UTI. This condition requires prompt medical attention, so the earlier you start treatment, the better.
What is a pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys become infected. They can be infected by bacteria or a virus. It can cause people to feel very sick and it requires treatment. This article will tell you more about kidney infection and what to do about it. See More See Less.
How many cases of UTI lead to kidney infection?
If the infection continues up to the kidneys, it can cause kidney infection. This problem is rare but it can be severe. About 1 in every 30 cases of UTI leads to a kidney infection.
Can you get kidney infection from a bladder infection?
You are more likely to get a kidney infection if you have frequent bladder infections or have a structural problem in the urinary tract. Urine normally flows only in one direction—from the kidneys to the bladder. If the flow of urine is blocked or flows in the wrong direction, infections can happen.
How long does it take to get ciprofloxacin for pyelonephriti
Although the guidelines recommend either 14 days of TMP-SMX or 7 days of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of pyelonephritis, a study in 272 women with susceptible E coli pyelonephritis reported similar clinical outcomes with 7 days of TMP-SMX therapy compared with 7 days of ciprofloxacin.
What antibiotics can replace fluoroquinolone?
[ 24, 3] If enterococci are suggested on the basis of Gram stain results, ampicillin or vancomycin can replace the fluoroquinolone.
Can a pyelonephritis patient be pregnant?
Ambulatory younger women who present with signs and symptoms of uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis may be candidates for outpatient therapy. They must be otherwise healthy and must not be pregnant. In addition, they must be treated initially in the emergency department (ED) with vigorous oral or intravenous (IV) fluids, antipyretic pain medication, ...

What Is Pyelonephritis?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Expected Duration
Specialist to consult
Prevention
Treatment
- The two primary symptoms of pyelonephritis are pain in one flank, the area just beneath the lower ribs in the back, and fever. The pain can travel around the side toward the lower abdomen. There also can be shaking chills and nausea and vomiting. The urine may be cloudy, tinged with blood or unusually strong or foul-smelling. You may need to urinate more often than normal and urinatin…
When to Call A Professional
- If your doctor is concerned that you have a kidney infection, he or she will ask you about other medical problems, any past infections and your recent symptoms. He or she will check your vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure), and will press on your abdomen and flanks to see if there is tenderness near the kidney. In women, the symptoms of pyelonephritis may be similar …
Prognosis
- Most patients with uncomplicated cases of pyelonephritis find that their symptoms begin to improve after one to two days of treatment with antibiotics. However, even after symptoms improve, antibiotics are usually prescribed to complete a 10 to 14 day course.
Further Information
- To help prevent pyelonephritis if you have had a previous episode or are at risk: 1. Drink several glasses of water each day. Water discourages the growth of infection-causing bacteria by flushing out your urinary tract. This flushing also helps to prevent kidney stones, which can increase the risk of pyelonephritis. 2. If you are a woman, wipe fro...