Pyelonephritis is a serious type of kidney infection. It happens when bacteria, usually from the bladder, travel up to the kidneys and cause an infection. This can make you feel very sick and needs to be treated quickly.

Symptoms:

• Fever and chills

• Pain in your lower back or side (usually on one side)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Pain or burning when you pee

• Peeing a lot or having cloudy, bad-smelling pee

• Feeling very tired or weak

Causes:

• Most often, it’s caused by bacteria like E. coli, which normally live in your gut.

• It can happen if you have a bladder infection that spreads to your kidneys.

• Things that increase your risk include:

  • Kidney stones

  • A weak immune system

  • Using a catheter (a tube to drain pee)

  • Being pregnant

Diagnosis:

• A urine test to check for bacteria or signs of infection.

• A urine culture to find out exactly which bacteria is causing the problem.

• Sometimes, a blood test or imaging (like an ultrasound) to check your kidneys.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: These are medicines that kill the bacteria causing the infection.

• Drinking lots of water: This helps flush out the bacteria.

• Pain relievers: Like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and fever.

• In severe cases, you might need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

Complications:

If not treated, pyelonephritis can cause:

• Kidney damage

• A serious infection in your blood (sepsis)

• Long-term kidney problems

Prevention:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

• Don’t hold your pee for too long.

• Treat bladder infections right away.

If you think you have a kidney infection, see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to get treated early to avoid serious problems.