Do I Have a Kidney Infection? Symptoms of Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

Description

A bacterial infection involving the kidneys. It is more common in females, and affects patients of all ages. Kidney infections in males may indicate a serious underlying disease and a search for disorders such as tumors, bladder obstruction or prostate disorders should be made. The typical cause of a kidney infection in a female is migration of bacteria from a bladder infection up the tube that connects the bladder to the kidneys (ureter).

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

A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests will be done to identify the infection and cultures of the urine can isolate the infecting bacteria. If a kidney stone is suspected a CT scan will be done.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
BHCG
UA
CT Scan

Treatment

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.