Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
About Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
A bacterial infection involving the kidneys. It is more common in females, although it affects both genders and all ages. Kidney infections in males are more likely if the bladder does not drain easily (one cause of this problem is a large prostate.) Bladder infections are common in women, and the typical cause of a kidney infection in a female is migration of bacteria from the bladder infection. The infection travels up the tube (ureter) that drains into the bladder from the kidneys.Symptoms
Flank pain, back pain, occasionally abdominal pain, fever, chills, warm skin, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, painful urination, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, need to urinate at night (nocturia), cloudy urine, blood in the urine, foul or strong urine odor, confusion.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to check on the function of the kidneys, to check for spread of bacteria into the blood. A urine test can identify the infection and culture of the urine can reveal the type of bacteria that is involved. If a kidney stone is suspected a CT scan will be done.Common tests: BHCG, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA).
Prescription medications
- Promethazine
- Metoclopramide
- Ondansetron
- Prochlorperazine
- Trimethobenzamide
- Granisetron
- Dolasetron
- Morphine Oral
- Tramadol
- Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene
- Fentanyl Buccal (Transmucosal)
- Acetaminophen and Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl Transdermal
- Hydromorphone Oral and Rectal
- Meperidine
- Oxycodone
- Ciprofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Cephalexin
- Norfloxacin
- Co-trimoxazole Oral
Conventional treatment summary
Intravenous fluids, pain medications, anti-nausea medications and antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy. Patients with severe infections or with depressed immune systems will be admitted to the hospital. A co-existing blockage of a ureter from a kidney stone is a surgical emergency requiring removal of the blockage to prevent a life threatening infection.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pyelonephritis (kidney infection).