Acute Pyelonephritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Acute pyelonephritis is a kidney infection caused by bacteria. The infection may start lower in the urinary tract, such as in your bladder. The infection then travels up the urinary tract to one or both kidneys.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Acute pyelonephritis may cause long-term kidney damage or kidney failure. The infection could spread to your other organs or blood. This can be life-threatening. You can get high blood pressure if the infection is not treated. You could also get a kidney abscess (pus-filled pocket).

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Tests:

• Renal ultrasound: This is a test using sound waves to look at your kidneys. Pictures of your kidneys show up on a TV-like screen. A renal ultrasound can show if you have kidney stones, an abscess, or other problems.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• CT scan: This test uses a special x-ray machine to take pictures of your urinary system. You may be given dye through an IV in your vein before the test. The dye helps the urinary system show up better in the pictures. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any of these.
  
  
• Cystoscopy: A cystoscopy allows caregivers to look for problems inside your bladder. A cystoscope is put into your bladder through your urethra. The urethra is the tube that urine flows through when you urinate. The cystoscope is a long tube with a lens and a light on the end. The scope may be hooked to a camera or monitor, and pictures may be taken. A tissue sample may also be taken during your cystoscopy. During this test, small tumors may be removed or bleeding may be stopped.
  
  
• KUB x-ray: An x-ray machine takes pictures of your kidneys (K), ureters (U), and bladder (B). The ureters are tiny tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. The bladder is where the urine is stored before leaving your body. Caregivers use these pictures to check for problems with your intestines , kidneys, or abdomen.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

Treatment options:

Your treatment may change if your health problem is not being controlled. This is often decided after you have tests. You may have some of the following treatments alone or together.

• Clear liquid diet: You may not be able to eat solid food for a period of time. You are allowed to drink water, broth, apple juice, or lemon-lime soda pop. You may also suck on ice chips or eat gelatin.
  
  
• Intake and output: Caregivers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask how much liquid you should drink each day. Ask caregivers if they need to measure or collect your urine.
  
  
• An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if a ureter is blocked. The ureter is the tube that takes urine from a kidney to the bladder. A blocked ureter can cause repeated kidney infections.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting. The vomiting may be caused by your infection. It could also be caused by your pain medicine.
  
  
• Antipyretics: This medicine is given to decrease a fever.

Learn more about Acute Pyelonephritis (Inpatient Care)