Pronounced: PIE-ello-nef-RYE-tis
This condition occurs when there is a bacterial infection in one or both kidneys. The kidneys remove waste (in the form of urine) from the body. They also balance the water and electrolyte content in the blood by filtering salt and water.
Kidney infection may be caused by:
These factors increase your chance of developing a kidney infection. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. A kidney infection is diagnosed with urine tests . The urine is examined for:
If the infection does not go away after treatment or if you have had several kidney infections, you may need to have other tests to see if there are problems with the kidney, ureters, and bladder. These tests include:
You will be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to take all of the medication. If the infection is not treated correctly or left untreated, the condition can lead to:
In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital and receive the antibiotics through a vein in your arm.
If you are diagnosed with a kidney infection, follow your doctor's instructions .
Since kidney infection is often a complication of a bladder infection, you can prevent bladder infections by:
RESOURCES:
National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org/
Urology Health
http://www.urologyhealth.org/index.cfm/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
http://www.kidney.ab.ca/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/
References:
Kidney infection. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-infection/DS00593/DSECTION=symptoms . Published August 2007. Accessed July 22, 2008.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm . Published June 2007. Accessed July 22, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.